bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram model combined thrombelastography for venous thromboembolism risk in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery
Authors: Qin Da , Cai Hongfei , Liu Qing , Lu Tianyu , Tang Ze , Shang Yuhang , Cui Youbin , Wang Rui
Published: December 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram model in combination with thromboelastography (TEG) to predict the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lung cancer surgery.

Methods: The data of 502 patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer from December 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were then randomized into training and validation groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out in the training group and independent risk factors were included in the nomogram to construct risk prediction models. The predictive capability of the model was assessed by the consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), the calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results: The nomogram risk prediction model comprised of the following five independent risk factors: age, operation time, forced expiratory volume in one second and postoperative TEG parameters k value(K) and reaction time(R). The nomogram model demonstrated better predictive power than the modified Caprini model, with the C-index being greater. The calibration curve verified the consistency of nomogram between the two groups. Furthermore, DCA demonstrated the clinical value and potential for practical application of the nomogram.

Conclusion: This study is the first to combine TEG and clinical risk factors to construct a nomogram to predict the occurrence of VTE in patients after lung cancer surgery. This model provides a simple and user-friendly method to assess the probability of VTE in postoperative lung cancer patients, enabling clinicians to develop individualized preventive anticoagulation strategies to reduce the incidence of such complications.
In-ovo feeding with creatine monohydrate: implications for chicken energy reserves and breast muscle development during the pre-post hatching period
Authors: Dayan Jonathan , Melkman-Zehavi Tal , Goldman Noam , Soglia Francesca , Zampiga Marco , Petracci Massimiliano , Sirri Federico , Braun Ulrike , Inhuber Vivienne , Halevy Orna , Uni Zehava
Published: December 2023

The most dynamic period throughout the lifespan of broiler chickens is the pre-post-hatching period, entailing profound effects on their energy status, survival rate, body weight, and muscle growth. Given the significance of this pivotal period, we evaluated the effect of in-ovo feeding (IOF) with creatine monohydrate on late-term embryos’ and hatchlings’ energy reserves and post-hatch breast muscle development. The results demonstrate that IOF with creatine elevates the levels of high-energy-value molecules (creatine and glycogen) in the liver, breast muscle and yolk sac tissues 48 h post IOF, on embryonic day 19 (p < 0.03). Despite this evidence, using a novel automated image analysis tool on day 14 post-hatch, we found a significantly higher number of myofibers with lower diameter and area in the IOF creatine group compared to the control and IOF NaCl groups (p < 0.004). Gene expression analysis, at hatch, revealed that IOF creatine group had significantly higher expression levels of myogenin (MYOG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), related to differentiation of myogenic cells (p < 0.01), and lower expression of myogenic differentiation protein 1 (MyoD), related to their proliferation (p < 0.04). These results imply a possible effect of IOF with creatine on breast muscle development through differential expression of genes involved in myogenic proliferation and differentiation. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential of pre-hatch enrichment with creatine in modulating post-hatch muscle growth and development.
Effect of 6-week karate (kihon) and basic movement exercise on balance performance in visually impaired individuals
Authors: Pekel Aylin Özge , Suveren Ceren , Arslan Yasin , Yavaşoğlu Belma , Beykumül Ayşegül , Ayyıldız Durhan Tebessüm , Ceylan Levent
Published: December 2023

Today, the participation of visually impaired individuals in sports activities is essential. Because the ability to move independently starts to develop with a delay in visually impaired individuals, physical activity is necessary to compensate for developmental delay, eliminate the problem of independent movement in social life by reducing obstacle perception problems, develop self-confidence, and provide regular muscle activation and motivation to move. The study investigated the effect of 6 weeks of karate (kihon) and basic movement training on balance performance in individuals with congenital visual impairment. Fifteen visually impaired individuals aged between 10 and 14 participated in the study, and three groups were formed: experiment 1, experiment 2, and the control group. After the pre-tests were taken, the experimental groups received karate and basic movement training in addition to physical education classes for 6 weeks, while the control group received only physical education classes. When the study results were examined, there were highly significant differences between the pre- and post-test values of the groups receiving karate and basic movement training. At the same time, no progress was observed in the control group. In the post-test comparison of the karate and control groups, positive significance was found in the values of the karate group. In the same way, in the post-test comparison of the basic movement training group and the control group, positive progress was made in the basic movement training group. The post-test comparison of the basic movement training and karate groups was the same. As a result, it was concluded that basic movement training and karate exercises applied for 6 weeks positively affected the balance development in visually impaired individuals aged 10–14 years. No difference was found between the exercise protocols regarding effectiveness, and no improvement was observed in individuals who did not participate in any exercise.
Dry season temperature and rainy season precipitation significantly affect the spatio-temporal pattern of rubber plantation phenology in Yunnan province
Authors: Lai Hongyan , Chen Bangqian , Yin Xiong , Wang Guizhen , Wang Xincheng , Yun Ting , Lan Guoyu , Wu Zhixiang , Yang Chuan , Kou Weili
Published: December 2023

The ongoing global warming trajectory poses extensive challenges to plant ecosystems, with rubber plantations particularly vulnerable due to their influence on not only the longevity of the growth cycle and rubber yield, but also the complex interplay of carbon, water, and energy exchanges between the forest canopy and atmosphere. However, the response mechanism of phenology in rubber plantations to climate change remains unclear. This study concentrates on sub-optimal environment rubber plantations in Yunnan province, Southwest China. Utilizing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, multi-source remote sensing images were synthesized at 8-day intervals with a spatial resolution of 30-meters. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series was reconstructed using the Savitzky-Golay (S-G) filter, coupled with the application of the seasonal amplitude method to extract three crucial phenological indicators, namely the start of the growing season (SOS), the end of the growing season (EOS), and the length of the growing season (LOS). Linear regression method, Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple stepwise regression analysis were used to extract of the phenology trend and find the relationship between SOS, EOS and climate factors. The findings demonstrated that 1) the phenology of rubber plantations has undergone dynamic changes over the past two decades. Specifically, the SOS advanced by 9.4 days per decade (R2 = 0.42, p< 0.01), whereas the EOS was delayed by 3.8 days per decade (R2 = 0.35, p< 0.01). Additionally, the LOS was extended by 13.2 days per decade (R2 = 0.55, p< 0.01); 2) rubber phenology demonstrated a notable sensitivity to temperature fluctuations during the dry season and precipitation patterns during the rainy season. The SOS advanced 2.0 days (r =−0.19, p< 0.01) and the EOS advanced 2.8 days (r =−0.35, p< 0.01) for every 1°C increase in the cool-dry season. Whereas a 100 mm increase in rainy season precipitation caused the SOS to be delayed by 2.0 days (r = 0.24, p< 0.01), a 100 mm increase in hot-dry season precipitation caused the EOS to be advanced by 7.0 days (r =-0.28, p< 0.01); 3) rubber phenology displayed a legacy effect of preseason climate variations. Changes in temperature during the fourth preseason month and precipitation during the fourth and eleventh preseason months are predominantly responsible for the variation in SOS. Meanwhile, temperature changes during the second, fourth, and ninth preseason months are primarily responsible for the variation in EOS. The study aims to enhance our understanding of how rubber plantations respond to climate change in sub-optimal environments and provide valuable insights for sustainable rubber production management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Navigating rice seedling cold resilience: QTL mapping in two inbred line populations and the search for genes
Authors: Schläppi Michael R. , Jessel Avery R. , Jackson Aaron K. , Phan Huy , Jia Melissa H. , Edwards Jeremy D. , Eizenga Georgia C.
Published: December 2023

Due to global climate change resulting in extreme temperature fluctuations, it becomes increasingly necessary to explore the natural genetic variation in model crops such as rice to facilitate the breeding of climate-resilient cultivars. To uncover genomic regions in rice involved in managing cold stress tolerance responses and to identify associated cold tolerance genes, two inbred line populations developed from crosses between cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive parents were used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of two traits: degree of membrane damage after 1 week of cold exposure quantified as percent electrolyte leakage (EL) and percent low-temperature seedling survivability (LTSS) after 1 week of recovery growth. This revealed four EL QTL and 12 LTSS QTL, all overlapping with larger QTL regions previously uncovered by genome-wide association study (GWAS) mapping approaches. Within the QTL regions, 25 cold-tolerant candidate genes were identified based on genomic differences between the cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive parents. Of those genes, 20% coded for receptor-like kinases potentially involved in signal transduction of cold tolerance responses; 16% coded for transcription factors or factors potentially involved in regulating cold tolerance response effector genes; and 64% coded for protein chaperons or enzymes potentially serving as cold tolerance effector proteins. Most of the 25 genes were cold temperature regulated and had deleterious nucleotide variants in the cold-sensitive parent, which might contribute to its cold-sensitive phenotype.
Adaptation and validation of the financial stress scale in social conflict contexts: a study conducted with small and medium-sized Peruvian entrepreneurs
Authors: Tito-Betancur Madona , Huayta-Meza Mariné , Chaparro Josué Turpo , Morales-García Wilter C. , Mamani-Benito Oscar
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Social conflicts have repercussions on the mental health of the economically active population.

Objective

To adapt and validate the Financial Stress Scale in the context of social conflicts (ESECPS).

Method

An instrumental study involving 2,242 owners of small and medium enterprises (50.9% women), aged between 18 and 74 years old, selected through a non-probabilistic purposive sampling. The participants were recruited across three regions of Peru during periods of protests and strikes against the incumbent Peruvian government. The instrument for adaptation was the financial stress scale EFEmp-Cov19, created in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.

Results

All items proved to be clear, relevant, and representative (V > 0.70). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed the existence of one underlying factor across the 11 items (KMO = 0.962, Bartlett = 5434.3; df = 55; p < 0.001). However, for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), items 4 and 11 were removed, resulting in support for a unidimensional model with 9 items (χ2 = 262.73, df = 23, p < 0.001; RMR = 0.022; TLI = 0.972; CFI = 0.980; and RMSEA = 0.072). Regarding reliability, a very high value was found (ω = 0.92).

Conclusion

The ESECPS demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, making it a suitable measure to assess financial stress among Peruvian entrepreneurs facing economic instability and financial threats in the context of social conflicts.
Minimal self-consciousness and the flying man argument
Authors: Gallagher Shaun
Published: December 2023

The concept of minimal self-consciousness or “minimal self” is equivalent to a very basic form of first-person, pre-reflective self-awareness, which includes bodily self-awareness, and is related to phenomenal experience (qualia) and sentience. This phenomenological concept plays a role in characterizations of the senses of ownership and agency; in recent debates about Buddhist conceptions of the no-self; in explanations of illusions such as the Rubber Hand Illusion; as well as in characterizations of schizophrenia as a self-disorder. Despite its relevance to these complex investigations, a number of theorists have recently pointed out that the concept is not well defined. In order to provide some clarification about the notion of minimal self and how it relates to bodily and sensory processes this paper reaches back to the ideas expressed in a famous medieval thought experiment proposed in the 11th century: Avicenna’s Flying Man argument. The paper then provides a review of some of the contemporary debates about the minimal self, pointing especially to questions about the role of bodily and social processes.
Association between exposure to outdoor artificial light at night and the risk of preterm birth
Authors: Sun Qi , Yang Yang , Liu Jing , Ye Fang , Chen Yuanmei , Liu Die , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association between outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) exposure during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth (PTB).

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was conducted, and data were collected from pregnant women residing in Beijing, China. The level of ALAN exposure during pregnancy was estimated using remote sensing satellite data. Propensity score matching was utilized to match the control group. Logistic and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the association between ALAN and the risk of PTB. The odds ratio (OR) and partial regression coefficient (β) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were utilized to assess the association.

Results

A total of 2,850 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. ALAN (nW/cm2/sr) exposure was higher in the PTB group than in the control group during first trimester (mean ± standard deviation: 25.30 ± 17.91 vs. 17.56 ± 14.74, p < 0.001) and second trimester (27.07 ± 18.10 vs. 21.93 ± 16.08, p < 0.001). A negative association was found between ALAN exposure and gestation day in the first (β = −0.151, 95%CI: −0.217 to −0.085, p < 0.001) and second trimesters (β = −0.077, 95%CI: −0.139 to −0.015, p = 0.015). ALAN was identified as a risk factor for PTB during the first trimester (OR = 1.032, 95%CI: 1.025–1.040, p < 0.001) and the second trimester (OR = 1.018, 95%CI: 1.011–1.025, p < 0.001), while no significant association was observed in the third trimester.

Conclusion

Our study suggesting that exposure to outdoor ALAN, especially during first and second trimester, was associated with the risk of PTB. These findings highlight the potential impact of ALAN on pregnancy health and offer new insights into the risk of PTB.
Perception of inherited risk in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Airikkala Elisa , Laaksonen Mari , Halkoaho Arja , Kaunonen Marja
Published: December 2023

Introduction

A family history is impacting the individual’s risk perception. The objective of this systematic review was to describe inherited risk perceptions of type 2 diabetes from the citizen’s viewpoint. The aim was to summarize and increase understanding so that the increased knowledge could be used effectively in type 2 diabetes risk communication in health care.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus databases for hereditary, risk, perception, and diabetes related concepts, within the date range of 1.1.2017 to 2.8.2022. Eligible articles were English, peer-reviewed, and addressed the research question: how is hereditary risk of type 2 diabetes perceived? Returns were viewed independently by two authors, and evaluated using the appraisal criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A thematic analysis was used for the synthesis of the data, yielding three themes describing perceptions of inherited risk in type 2 diabetes.

Results

A total of 32 articles were included, of which 23 were quantitative, 5 qualitative, and 4 were mixed-methods studies. The extracted themes were (1) Identifying heredity as a risk factor, (2) Diversity of hereditary risk, and (3) Perception of the magnitude of personal risk.

Discussion

The perception towards hereditary risk can vary from a desire to actively make a lifestyle change, to the view that diabetes is inevitable regardless of lifestyle. A positive family history increases the risk perception of type 2 diabetes, but the perceived magnitude of the risk may vary from person to person. The findings have the potential to be applied in healthcare’s risk communication.
Computed tomographic diaphragmatic thickness: a promising method for the evaluation of diaphragmatic muscle in cardiopulmonary diseased cats
Authors: Saisawart Phasamon , Sutthigran Somchin , Suksangvoravong Hathaiphat , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Ritthikulprasert Sukullaya , Tachampa Kittipong , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: December 2023

Diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) is defined as a weakening of the diaphragmatic muscle and can be an undetected cause of dyspnea. The objectives of this study were to explore the appropriate diaphragmatic location, measure diaphragmatic thickness (DT), evaluate the effect of intrinsic factors on DT, and compare DT between healthy and diseased cats, using 33 healthy cats and 15 diseased cats. A retrospective, analytical, case–control study using thoraco-abdominal feline computed tomography (CT) was performed. Two radiologists independently reviewed all images to verify inter- and intra-observer reliabilities and the best position for measuring DT. The effects of sex, age, and body weight were also studied, and cutoff values for detecting DT abnormalities were established. The results showed that the appropriate location for DT measurement was at the ventral border of the cranial endplate of the first lumbar vertebral body (L1) due to its highest intra- and inter-observer reliabilities. At this location, a significant difference in DT between the right and left hemidiaphragms (p= 0.01) was observed. Only sex had an impact on DT values. Interestingly, the DTs of cardiorespiratory-affected cats, both on the right and left sides, were significantly thinner than those of healthy cats. In conclusion, CT imaging is a reliable imaging method for determining diaphragmatic muscular atrophy. The ventral border of the cranial endplate of L1 is recommended for measuring the DT, and sex was the only factor affecting the DT measurement.
Hospital-Level COVID-19 Preparedness and Crisis Management in Czechia
Authors: Michenka Petr , Marx David
Published: December 2023

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the inadequacy of pandemic preparedness mechanisms worldwide. This study gathered comprehensive data from Czech hospitals, identified possible weaknesses in important areas of crisis preparedness, and quantified changes performed to enhance crisis resilience of healthcare facilities.

Methods: Drawing on literature review on pandemic preparedness and hospital crisis management and detailed interviews with hospital representatives, a questionnaire was designed and distributed by email among quality managers of all Czech hospitals. Statistical analysis of their responses was conducted using EZR software. Fisher’s exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test, with post hoc testing, were used to assess statistical significance.

Results: Achieving response rate of 31.9%, responses from 65 hospitals were analysed. New crisis management policies were necessary in 72.3% of responding hospitals. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents changes indicated the need for changes in policies on general pandemic, human resources and infrastructure and material preparedness.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis required significant alterations to previously established hospital crisis management protocols and establishment of new ones. The absence of a unified system for crisis preparedness was noted at hospital and national levels.
Morphological and Physiological Mechanism of Activating Insoluble Inorganic Phosphorus of Different Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties under Low Phosphorus
Authors: Tan Zhen , Liu Fengzhen , Wan Yongshan , Zhu Suqing , Zhang Jing , Zhang Kun , Luo Lu
Published: December 2023

To reduce the application of phosphorus fertilizer and improve phosphorus efficiency in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, six peanut varieties with different phosphorus activation efficiencies were selected, and the root morphology, physiological indexes, and types and content of organic acids secreted were measured via a hydroponic experiment for 20 days. We analyzed the difference in calcium phosphate activation between peanut seedlings cultivated under low-phosphorus (LP, 0.01 mmol/L KH2PO4) and normal phosphorus (NP, 0.6 mmol/L KH2PO4) conditions and explored the physiological mechanisms of different peanut varieties on the activation efficiency of insoluble inorganic phosphorus. The results showed that under LP conditions, the root length, root surface area, root volume, root tip number, and root activity of the efficient P activation varieties were 18.31%, 17.50%, 15.23%, 20.00%, and 50.90% higher than those of the inefficient P activation varieties respectively. The reduction range of the nutrient solution pH of the high-efficiency varieties was 74.48% higher than that of the low-efficiency varieties under LP conditions. The total amount of organic acid secreted by the efficient P activation varieties increased by 236.07% on average under LP conditions compared with that under NP conditions. In comparison, the average increase in inefficient P activation varieties was only 16.36%. Under low P stress, the peanut varieties with high-efficiency P activation could increase the activation of insoluble inorganic P in the environment mainly by changing the root architecture and increasing the root-shoot ratio, root activity, and root proton and organic acid secretion.
Effects of Nitrogen Application Rate on Dry Matter Weight and Yield of Direct-Seeded Rice under Straw Return
Authors: Ma Peng , Zhang Ke-Yuan , Liao Xue-Huan , Aer Li-Se , Yang Er-Luo , Deng Jun , Zhou Lin , Zhang Rong-Ping
Published: December 2023

Straw is an agricultural byproduct that results from the production of many crops, such as cereals, yet it is often considered a waste product. However, straw has both historical precedent and future potential as an agricultural resource. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of returning straw to the soil on rice cultivation. To this end, we used the hybrid rice variety Luliangyou Jingling as the test material to study the effect of straw return under four different nitrogen application levels (0 kg N (N1), 120 kg N/hm2 (N2), 150 kg N/hm2 (N3), and 180 kg N/hm2 (N4)) on rice tillering dynamics, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, and yield. We found that rice under straw return had a higher number of effective panicles, along with a higher number of grains per panicle, compared to those without straw return. Additionally, the tiller number, LAI, total dry matter, and yield of rice in each main growth period under straw return were higher than those without straw return, and these values increased with an increase in nitrogen application rate. The yield was the highest at 9520.63 kg/hm2 without straw return, while the highest yield with straw return was achieved at 10,738.26 kg/hm2. Our results revealed the optimal nitrogen application level for high yield of two-line direct-seeded rice under straw return, which provides a theoretical reference for the precise reduction of fertilizer application in rice cultivation.
Analyzing Evapotranspiration in Greenhouses: A Lysimeter-Based Calculation and Evaluation Approach
Authors: Shi Wei , Zhang Xin , Xue Xuzhang , Feng Feng , Zheng Wengang , Chen Liping
Published: December 2023

The absence of accurate measurement or calculation techniques for crop water requirements in greenhouses frequently results in over- or under-irrigation. In order to find a better method, this study analyzed the accuracy, data consistency and practicability of the Penman–Monteith (PM), Hargreaves–Samani (HS), Pan Evaporation (PAN), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. Model-calculated crop evapotranspiration (ETC) was compared with lysimeter-measured crop evapotranspiration (ETC) in the National Precision Agriculture Demonstration Station in Beijing, China. The results showed that the actual ETC over the entire experimental period was 176.67 mm. The ETC calculated with the PM, HS, PAN, and ANN model were 146.07 mm, 189.45 mm, 197.03 mm, and 174.7 mm, respectively, which were different from the actual value by −17.32%, 7.23%, 11.52%, and −1.12%, respectively. The order of the calculation accuracy for the four models is as follows: ANN model > PAN model > PM model > HS model. By comprehensively evaluating the statistical indicators of each model, the ANN model was found to have a significantly higher calculation accuracy compared to the other three models. Therefore, the ANN model is recommended for estimating ETC under greenhouse conditions. The PM and PAN models can also be used after improvement.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Enhancing Plant Stress Resistance: A Review
Authors: Wang Zijun , Wang Sijin , Ma Tingting , Liang You , Huo Zhongyang , Yang Fengping
Published: December 2023

Biotic and abiotic stress factors are pivotal considerations in agriculture due to their potential to cause crop losses, food insecurity, and economic repercussions. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nanoparticles) have gained substantial attention from researchers worldwide for their capacity to alleviate the detrimental impacts of both biotic and abiotic stress on plants, concurrently reducing dependence on environmentally harmful chemicals. This article provides an overview of methods for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles, encompassing physical vapor deposition, ball milling, hydrothermal methods, solvothermal methods, precipitation methods, microwave methods, microbial synthesis, and plant-mediated synthesis. Additionally, it delves into the absorption, translocation, and biotransformation pathways of ZnO nanoparticles within plants. The emphasis lies in elucidating the potential of ZnO nanoparticles to safeguard plants against biotic and abiotic stress, enhance plant performance, and modulate various plant processes. The article also offers a preliminary exploration of the mechanisms underlying plant stress tolerance mediated by ZnO nanoparticles. In conclusion, ZnO nanoparticles present an environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategy for plant stress management, paving the way for the integration of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture. This opens new possibilities for leveraging nanotechnology to bolster plant resilience against stress in the ever-changing climate conditions, ensuring global food security.
Cefiderocol and Sulbactam-Durlobactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Karruli Arta , Migliaccio Antonella , Pournaras Spyros , Durante-Mangoni Emanuele , Zarrilli Raffaele
Published: December 2023

Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) remain a clinical challenge due to limited treatment options. Recently, cefiderocol, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, and sulbactam-durlobactam, a bactericidal β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combination, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of A. baumannii infections. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of action of and resistance to cefiderocol and sulbactam-durlobactam, the antimicrobial susceptibility of A. baumannii isolates to these drugs, as well as the clinical effectiveness of cefiderocol and sulbactam/durlobactam-based regimens against CRAB. Overall, cefiderocol and sulbactam-durlobactam show an excellent antimicrobial activity against CRAB. The review of clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of cefiderocol therapy against CRAB indicates it is non-inferior to colistin/other treatments for CRAB infections, with a better safety profile. Combination treatment is not associated with improved outcomes compared to monotherapy. Higher mortality rates are often associated with prior patient comorbidities and the severity of the underlying infection. Regarding sulbactam-durlobactam, current data from the pivotal clinical trial and case reports suggest this antibiotic combination could be a valuable option in critically ill patients affected by CRAB infections, in particular where no other antibiotic appears to be effective.
Interprofessional Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Carbapenems Improves ICU Care and Guideline Adherence in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Schmid Stephan , Koch Chiara , Zimmermann Katharina , Buttenschoen Jonas , Mehrl Alexander , Pavel Vlad , Schlosser-Hupf Sophie , Fleischmann Daniel , Krohn Alexander , Schilling Tobias , Müller Martina , Kratzer Alexander
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe, rapidly progressing disease in patients with liver cirrhosis. Meropenem is crucial for treating severe infections. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) offers an effective means to control drug dosages, especially vital for bactericidal antibiotics like meropenem. We aimed to assess the outcomes of implementing TDM for meropenem using an innovative interprofessional approach in ACLF patients on a medical intensive care unit (ICU). (2) Methods: The retrospective study was conducted on a medical ICU. The outcomes of an interprofessional approach comprising physicians, hospital pharmacists, and staff nurses to TDM for meropenem in critically ill patients with ACLF were examined in 25 patients. Meropenem was administered continuously via an infusion pump after the application of an initial loading dose. TDM was performed weekly using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Meropenem serum levels, implementation of the recommendations of the interprofessional team, and meropenem consumption were analyzed. (3) Results: Initial TDM for meropenem showed a mean meropenem serum concentration of 20.9 ± 9.6 mg/L in the 25 analyzed patients. Of note, in the initial TDM, only 16.0% of the patients had meropenem serum concentrations within the respective target range, while 84.0% exceeded this range. Follow-up TDM showed serum concentrations of 15.2 ± 5.7 mg/L (9.0–24.6) in Week 2 and 11.9 ± 2.3 mg/L (10.2–13.5) in Week 3. In Week 2, 41.7% of the patients had meropenem serum concentrations that were within the respective target range, while 58.3% of the patients were above this range. In Week 3, 50% of the analyzed serum concentrations of meropenem were within the targeted range, and 50% were above the range. In total, 100% of the advice given by the interprofessional team regarding meropenem dosing or a change in antibiotic therapy was implemented. During the intervention period, the meropenem application density was 37.9 recommended daily doses (RDD)/100 patient days (PD), compared to 42.1 RDD/100 PD in the control period, representing a 10.0% decrease. (4) Conclusions: Our interprofessional approach to TDM significantly reduced meropenem dosing, with all the team’s recommendations being implemented. This method not only improved patient safety but also considerably decreased the application density of meropenem.
Comment on Nekkaa et al. Rhamnus alaternus Plant: Extraction of Bioactive Fractions and Evaluation of Their Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 300
Authors: Papini Alessio
Published: December 2023

Analyzing the article “Rhamnus alaternus plant: extraction of bioactive fractions and evaluation of their pharmacological and phytochemical properties” by Nekkaa et al. [...]
Determination of Supporting Time of Tunnels in the Xigeda Stratum Based on the Convergence-Confinement Method
Authors: Zhong Zuliang , Tang Tenglong , Li Yapeng
Published: December 2023

The mechanical properties of the surrounding rock of the Xigeda stratum are easily affected by water content. In order to obtain the support characteristics of Xigeda strata, the finite difference method was used to obtain the longitudinal deformation of the surrounding rock at a certain distance from the tunnel excavation face under different water contents. Then, the longitudinal deformation profiles of a Xigeda stratum tunnel were obtained under different water content conditions. The accuracy and applicability of the results were verified through error analysis and comparison with existing research results. Based on the convergence-confinement principle, it is proposed that the best time to apply support is when the displacement increment of the surrounding rock has a sharp increase point. The support construction time under different water content conditions was obtained with the distance from the tunnel excavation face as the control index. The results show that with the increase in water content, the longitudinal deformation profile’s growth trend is steeper near the excavation surface and it is gentler when the distance from the excavation face becomes large. At a water content of 20%, the support should be applied 2.67 m behind the excavation face; at a water content of 25%, the support should be applied 1.46 m behind the excavation face. The result has a certain guiding significance for the safety of tunnel construction in the Xigeda stratum.
Laboratory Assessment of In-Pavement Airport Lamp’s Luminous Intensity Distribution
Authors: Podbucki Kacper , Marciniak Tomasz , Suder Jakub
Published: December 2023

The luminous intensity measurements of airport navigational lighting should be performed in accordance with the recommendations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which allows for the determination of the possibility of further operation or the need to replace particular lamps. This article presents a device and method for measuring the light main beam of in-pavement airport lamps used on runways and taxiways. During the measuring process in the laboratory dark room, the proposed system automatically prepares reports as heatmaps presenting angular relationships of light distribution. Photometric measurements were made using a BH1750 illuminance sensor, which was compared to a certified Sonopan L-200P luxmeter. The measurement stability of different BH1750 modes was investigated for different airport lamp power source thresholds. Due to distortions in spectral characteristic of BH1750, polynomial corrections were proposed. The functionality of the device was presented for the exemplary assessment of used and refurbished runway in-pavement airport lamps to compare their parameters change. The research results and device implementation were possible through scientific cooperation with the Poznań-Ławica Airport.
Correlation between Postural Stability and Lower Extremity Joint Reaction Forces in Young Adults during Incline and Decline Walking
Authors: Yamin Noor Arifah Azwani Abdul , Basaruddin Khairul Salleh , Ijaz Muhammad Farzik , Mat Som Mohd Hanafi , Shahrol Aman Muhammad Nazrin Shah , Takemura Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Postural stability may be affected during slope walking, as there are different body kinetics and kinematic responses compared with level walking. Understanding body adaptations toward different inclinations is essential to prevent the risk of injury from falls or slips. This study was conducted to determine the correlations between stability parameters and loading response in terms of joint reaction force at the lower-extremity joints during inclined and declined walking. Twenty male subjects walked in the level, incline, and decline directions on a custom-built platform at three different slope angles (i.e., 5°, 7.5°, and 10°). To determine the ground reaction force (GRF), joint reaction force (JRF), center of pressure (COP), and center of mass (COM), a motion capture system was used to read the data of the ten reflective markers and transfer them to visual three-dimensional (3D) software. Pearson’s correlation test was performed with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 to evaluate the correlation of the required coefficient of friction (RCOF), postural stability index (PSI), and COP-COM distance with the JRF. This study has identified that the JRF changes in opposition to the changes in the RCOF during the initial strike during incline and decline walking, as JRF increases, the RCOF decreases with different strengths of correlation. There is also a strong positive correlation between the PSI and JRF in the proximal–distal direction, where the JRFs change in accordance with the change in the PSI, and the JRF increases with the increment of PSI. In addition, the JRF of the lower extremity also changed in a manner similar to the COP-COM distance in the medial–lateral direction. Overall, each stability parameter was correlated with the JRF of the lower-extremity joints in different directions and strengths. This study demonstrated that slope walking is particularly affected by surface inclination in terms of stability and loading. Therefore, this research can serve as a basis for future studies on slopes, as there is no specific basis for a maximum degree of inclination that is safe and suitable for all applications.
Reactions of CH2OO, CH3CHOO, and (CH3)2COO with Methane through the Formation of Intermediate Complex
Authors: Dyakov Yuri A. , Adamson Sergey O. , Golubkov Gennady V. , Morozov Igor I. , Nigmatullin Danil R. , Olkhov Oleg A. , Wang Pao K. , Golubkov Maxim G.
Published: December 2023

Criegee intermediates, which are the products of the ozonolysis of alkenes, play a key role in many chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere. Their reactions with other atmospheric compounds are responsible for the formation of hydroxyl, methyl, hydrogen radicals, nitric and sulfuric acids, and others. Methane is an active greenhouse gas whose concentration has increased rapidly in the last several decades. In this work, we consider the interaction between these two important atmospheric compounds. We choose the three simple Criegee intermediate (CI) molecules: formaldehyde oxide (CH2OO), acetaldehyde oxide (CH3CHOO), and acetone oxide ((CH3)2COO). Some reactions between methane and these Cis have been studied earlier as possible pathways for deactivating methane as well as a source of methanol formation due to molecular collisions in the atmosphere. In the present study, we extend the consideration to the case when an intermediate energetically stable complex is formed after collision. We found that this complex could easily decompose to form an OH radical and another unstable fragment, which can quickly dissociate into CH3 radicals, atomic hydrogen, acetone, acetaldehyde, propaldehyde, methyl alcohol, water, and others, depending on the type of CI being reacted with. These compounds can actively interact with other atmospheric components and change their physical and chemical properties. In addition, CI with a methyl substituent is shown to have increased energy in transition states and minima, resulting in slower reaction rates.
Revolutionizing Early Disease Detection: A High-Accuracy 4D CNN Model for Type 2 Diabetes Screening in Oman
Authors: Al Sadi Khoula , Balachandran Wamadeva
Published: December 2023

The surge of diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in Oman and the Middle East. Early detection of diabetes is crucial for proactive intervention and improved patient outcomes. This research leverages the power of machine learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to develop an innovative 4D CNN model dedicated to early diabetes prediction. A region-specific dataset from Oman is utilized to enhance health outcomes for individuals at risk of developing diabetes. The proposed model showcases remarkable accuracy, achieving an average accuracy of 98.49% to 99.17% across various epochs. Additionally, it demonstrates excellent F1 scores, recall, and sensitivity, highlighting its ability to identify true positive cases. The findings contribute to the ongoing effort to combat diabetes and pave the way for future research in using deep learning for early disease detection and proactive healthcare.
A Critical Assessment of Generative Models for Synthetic Data Augmentation on Limited Pneumonia X-ray Data
Authors: Schaudt Daniel , Späte Christian , von Schwerin Reinhold , Reichert Manfred , von Schwerin Marianne , Beer Meinrad , Kloth Christopher
Published: December 2023

In medical imaging, deep learning models serve as invaluable tools for expediting diagnoses and aiding specialized medical professionals in making clinical decisions. However, effectively training deep learning models typically necessitates substantial quantities of high-quality data, a resource often lacking in numerous medical imaging scenarios. One way to overcome this deficiency is to artificially generate such images. Therefore, in this comparative study we train five generative models to artificially increase the amount of available data in such a scenario. This synthetic data approach is evaluated on a a downstream classification task, predicting four causes for pneumonia as well as healthy cases on 1082 chest X-ray images. Quantitative and medical assessments show that a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based approach significantly outperforms more recent diffusion-based approaches on this limited dataset with better image quality and pathological plausibility. We show that better image quality surprisingly does not translate to improved classification performance by evaluating five different classification models and varying the amount of additional training data. Class-specific metrics like precision, recall, and F1-score show a substantial improvement by using synthetic images, emphasizing the data rebalancing effect of less frequent classes. However, overall performance does not improve for most models and configurations, except for a DreamBooth approach which shows a +0.52 improvement in overall accuracy. The large variance of performance impact in this study suggests a careful consideration of utilizing generative models for limited data scenarios, especially with an unexpected negative correlation between image quality and downstream classification improvement.
Metabolic Biomarkers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of PPAR-γ2 and PPAR-β/δ Polymorphisms
Authors: Reza-López Sandra A. , González-Gurrola Susana , Morales-Morales Oscar O. , Moreno-González Janette G. , Rivas-Gómez Ana M. , González-Rodríguez Everardo , Moreno-Brito Verónica , Licón-Trillo Angel , Leal-Berumen Irene
Published: December 2023

Glucose and lipid metabolism regulation by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has been extensively reported. However, the role of their polymorphisms remains unclear. Objective: To determine the relation between PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 (Pro12Ala) and PPAR-β/δ rs2016520 (+294T/C) polymorphisms and metabolic biomarkers in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: We included 314 patients with T2D. Information on anthropometric, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c and lipid profile measurements was taken from clinical records. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood. End-point PCR was used for PPAR-γ2 rs1801282, while for PPAR-β/δ rs2016520 the PCR product was digested with Bsl-I enzyme. Data were compared with parametric or non-parametric tests. Multivariate models were used to adjust for covariates and interaction effects. Results: minor allele frequency was 12.42% for PPAR-γ2 rs1801282-G and 13.85% for PPAR-β/δ rs2016520-C. Both polymorphisms were related to waist circumference; they showed independent effects on HbA1c, while they interacted for FPG; carriers of both PPAR minor alleles had the highest values. Interactions between FPG and polymorphisms were identified in their relation to triglyceride level. Conclusions: PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 and PPAR-β/δ rs2016520 polymorphisms are associated with anthropometric, glucose, and lipid metabolism biomarkers in T2D patients. Further research is required on the molecular mechanisms involved.
Protective vs. Therapeutic Effects of Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant MitoTEMPO on Rat Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury: A Comprehensive Electrophysiological Analysis
Authors: Celen Murat Cenk , Akkoca Ahmet , Tuncer Seckin , Dalkilic Nizamettin , Ilhan Barkin
Published: December 2023

Protective vs. Therapeutic Effects of Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant MitoTEMPO on Rat Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury: A Comprehensive Electrophysiological Analysis. Peripheral nerve injuries often result in long-lasting functional deficits, prompting the need for effective interventions. MitoTEMPO (2-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl) triphenylphosphonium chloride) is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that has shown protective and therapeutic effects against pathologies associated with reactive oxygen species. This study explores the utilization of MitoTEMPO as a therapeutic and protective agent for sciatic nerve crush injuries. By employing advanced mathematical approaches, the study seeks to comprehensively analyze nerve conduction parameters, nerve excitability, and the distribution of nerve conduction velocities to gauge the potential. Forty Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into following groups: (I) SHAM—animals subjected to sham operation and treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with vehicle (bidistilled water) for 14 days; (II) CI (crush injury)—animals subjected to CI and treated with vehicle 14 days; (III) MiP—animals subjected to 7 days i.p. MitoTEMPO treatment before CI (0.7 mg/kg/day dissolved in vehicle) and, only vehicle for 7 days after CI, protective MitoTEMPO; and (IV) MiT—animals i.p. treated with only vehicle for 7 days before CI and 7 days with MitoTEMPO (0.7 mg/kg/day dissolved in vehicle) after CI, therapeutic MitoTEMPO. Nerve excitability parameters were measured, including rheobase and chronaxie, along with compound action potential (CAP) recordings. Advanced mathematical analyses were applied to CAP recordings to determine nerve conduction velocities and distribution patterns. The study revealed significant differences in nerve excitability parameters between groups. Nerve conduction velocity was notably reduced in the MiP and CI groups, whereas CAP area values were diminished in the MiP and CI groups compared to the MiT group. Furthermore, CAP velocity was lower in the MiP and CI groups, and maximum depolarization values were markedly lower in the MiP and CI groups compared to the SHAM group. The distribution of nerve conduction velocities indicated alterations in the composition of nerve fiber groups following crush injuries. In conclusion, postoperative MitoTEMPO administration demonstrated promising results in mitigating the detrimental effects of nerve crush injuries.