bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARACIÓN DE LA COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA Y DE LA ACTIVIDAD ANTIOXIDANTE IN VITRO DE LOS METABOLITOS SECUNDARIOS VOLÁTILES DE PLANTAS DE LA FAMILIA VERBENACEAE
Authors: Stashenko Elena E. , Jaramillo Beatriz E. , Martínez Jairo R.
Published: October 2023

En el trabajo se estudiaron metabolitos secundarios volátiles, obtenidos por diferentes técnicas de extracción, de tres plantas de la familia Verbenaceae, cultivadas en la región Nororiental de Colombia. Lippia alba fue un quimiotipo nuevo, no descrito previamente en la literatura; contiene la carvona (40-57%) como el componente mayoritario en los aceites, obtenidos por hidrodestilación (HD) e hidrodestilación asistida por microondas (MWHD) y en los extractos, aislados por destilación – extracción simultánea (SDE) y por extracción con fluido supercrítico (SFE), seguido del limoneno (24-37%), el biciclosesquifelandreno (2-22%), la piperitenona (1-2%), la piperitona (0.8-1.2%) y el ß–burboneno (0.6-1.5%). El compuesto principal en las fracciones volátiles, obtenidas por métodos headspace estático (S-HS), dinámico de purga y trampa (P & T) o por microextracción en fase sólida en modo headspace (HS-SPME) fue el limoneno (27-77%), seguido de la carvona (14-30%), el biciclosesquifelandreno (1-33%) y el ß–burboneno (0.5-6.5%). Los componentes mayoritarios en los aceites esenciales (HD, MWHD) y en los extractos (SDE, SFE) de la Aloysia triphylla, fueron el neral (19-22%) y el geranial (33-38%), seguidos del nerol (2-5%) y el geraniol (2-6%), los sesquiterpenoides ar-curcumeno (3-4%), biciclosesquifelandreno (2-3%), espatulenol (2-4%), nerolidol (ca. 2%), ßburboneno (1-2%), ß-cariofileno (3-5%) y su óxido (1-1.5%). El aceite esencial de Lantana camara fue de tipo sesquiterpenoide; más del 60% de la mezcla lo representan hidrocarburos sesquiterpénicos, C15H24, y ca. 30% sus análogos oxigenados. El trans-ß-cariofileno (14-15%) y su óxido (4-9%), el biciclosesquifelandreno (16-18%), el α-zingibereno (5-6%), el E,E-α-farneseno (3-4%) y el γbisaboleno (3-4%) fueron los sesquiterpenos mayoritarios aislados de L. camara. La fracción de monoterpenos, C10H16, en L. camara no alcanzó un 10%; entre éstos, el ß-pineno (0.2-3%) y el ßmirceno (2-4%) fueron hidrocarburos mayoritarios. En la L. alba predominaron monoterpenos (>30%) y mo oterpenos oxigenados (ca. 55%); para la A. triphylla, la familia de compuestos mayoritarios fue la de monoterpenos oxigenados (>70%), de los cuales, ca. 60% correspondieron al citral; mientras que la L. camara fue pobre en monoterpenos y sus análogos oxigenados; la mayoría de sus metabolitos secundarios fueron hidrocarburos sesquiterpénicos (ca. 60%) y sus derivados oxigenados (ca. 30%). Los aceites esenciales de las tres plantas de la familia Verbenaceae mostraron un efecto protector antioxidante in vitro, medido en un sistema lipídico modelo (emulsión del ácido linoleico), a la misma concentración, e.g. 10 g/L, igual o mayor que la vitamina E y el BHA, siendo el aceite de L. camara el más activo de todos, seguido del aceite de L. alba.
Ups and down of emergency medicine in Iran: an urgent agenda
Authors: Jalili Mohammad
Published: October 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Assessing the risk perception of COVID-19 among non-infected people attending emergency departments of selected hospitals in western Iran
Authors: Malekshahi Farideh , Baharvand Parastoo , Ghaderinejhad Hadi
Published: October 2023

Objective: It is important to know people’s perceptions of the risks related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for controlling the pandemic. This study aims to assess the risk perception of COVID-19 among non-infected people referred to emergency departments (ED) of hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran during the pandemic and its related demographic factors.
Methods: This is descriptive/analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Participants were 380 adults referred to the ED of four hospitals (Shohadaye Ashayer, Shahid Rahimi, Asali, and Shahid Madani) in Khorramabad city in 2021 who were not infected by COVID-19. For data collection, the risk perception of COVID-19 questionnaire was used. Data were described using mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. Chi-squared test was used in SPSS v.22 software to find the related demographic factors.
Results: It was found that 5 people (1.3%) had a moderate perception, 206 (54.2%) had good perception, and 169 (44.5%) had high perception. No one had poor risk perception. According to them, “own knowledge and experience” was the most effective factor in preventing COVID-19 followed by “the advice of experts in the media” and “the advice of friends and family”. Chi-squared test results showed a significant difference in risk perception among people in terms of age (P=0.002) and marital status (P=0.001); the age group <25 years and single people had lower risk perceptions.
Conclusion: The risk perception of COVID-19 in people referred to the EDs in western Iran is at good level but is not high. It is necessary to improve their risk perception by education and increasing awareness on social media.
Flash pulmonary edema in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: a case report
Authors: Mehrpooya Maryam , Eftekhari Mohammad Reza , Moghaddasfar Tara
Published: October 2023

Flash pulmonary edema is a potentially fatal condition that can suddenly deteriorate a patient's status in a variety of settings, including the catheterization laboratory. We describe a 51-year-old woman with a history of hypertension who was admitted for a second valve operation for degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. Before undergoing coronary angiography, she looked a little worried, she experienced respiratory distress and a significant increase in blood pressure in favor of acute flash pulmonary edema, which was immediately and successfully managed by respiratory support and administration of high-dose intravenous nitroglycerine and loop diuretic therapy. The present scenario highlights the significance of being aware of the warning signs of acute flash pulmonary edema to make a prompt diagnosis and initiate the appropriate treatment to prevent catastrophic consequences.
Redox flow battery technology development from the perspective of patent applications: A review
Authors: Wang Wuyang , Mu Anle , Yang Bin , Wang Jiahui , Wang Yupeng
Published: October 2023

With the continuous increase in global energy consumption, the development and utilization of renewable energy become imperative. However, the intermittency and fluctuation of wind and solar power generation prevent direct grid integration, resulting in energy waste. As a large-scale electrochemical energy storage technology, redox flow batteries (RFBs) can effectively store renewable energy and smooth the power output. This paper summarizes the development history of RFBs technology in China by analyzing relevant patent application data, elaborates on the working principles, advantages and disadvantages of various RFBs, and their latest research progress. It analyzes the technical challenges in current RFBs research and presents the application prospects of RFBs commercialization. The results show that although RFBs technology has made significant progress in China, it still faces issues like high battery cost and limited cycle life. To realize the efficient utilization of renewable energy and green low-carbon development, RFBs technology needs continuous optimization and upgrade. This paper can provide references for the development of RFBs technology.
Dawn of clean energy: Enhanced heat transfer, radiative cooling, and firecracker-style controlled nuclear fusion power generation system
Authors: Yang Weimin , Zhang Enxiang , Zhao Jiuzhou , Zhao Yifan , Tang Kangkang , Cui Yan , Luo Xianyu , Zhang Zhen , Li Chengjun , Zhang Fenghua , Gao Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Global climate change has become a major environmental threat and development challenge facing humanity. Controllable nuclear fusion is a globally recognized ideal solution for clean energy, but its required high-energy triggering conditions and intense energy release prevent existing technologies from achieving safe, stable, and long-term continuous operation. Here, inspired by the traditional Chinese firecrackers, we propose a pulsed fusion reaction flywheel energy storage multi-reactor relay operation to drive the steam turbine to continuously and stably generate electricity for a long period of time; meanwhile, to install cleaning rotors in the cooling medium pipeline to enhance heat exchange, and to apply radiative cooling technology on the surface of the cooling tower to improve cooling efficiency and to reduce energy consumption, thereby improving system safety and overall energy efficiency. Proposing the combination of original technologies at both the hot end and the cold end of the system, we strive to open up a new way for controllable nuclear fusion power generation.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING REGARDING BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES OF KIMCHI’S PROBIOTICS AS AN EFFORT TO INCREASE HEALTH WORKERS’ KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Abbas Pujiati , Mayangsari Citra Primavita , Ovaditya Shafira Zahra
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made by fermenting various kinds of vegetables with lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus sp. And Leuconostoc sp. These micro bacteria can serve as a probiotic that can exert the human immune system. This knowledge is essential for a global society, including health professionals. The aim of this education and training activity is to increase health workers’ knowledge about kimchi, probiotics, and their role so that they can conduct further research and educate their patients and also the larger community.
Methods: This education and training is carried out using lecture-based talks, with interactive communication. The audience is 25 nurses as health workers at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital. Pre-post test questionnaire was used to evaluate participants’ knowledge about probiotics and Kimchi.
Results: Before the education and training activity was carried out, a pre-test of Kimchi Knowledge revealed that 84% of the participants had good knowledge. After the education and training activity was done, the results showed an increase in knowledge where 96% of the participants had good knowledge (p=0,018). The results of the pre-test of Probiotic Knowledge revealed that 68% of the participants had good knowledge. After the education and training activity was done, the results showed an increase in knowledge where 84% of the participants had good knowledge (p=0,001).
Conclusion: Education and Training regarding the beneficial properties of Kimchi, probiotics, and their role can increase health workers’ knowledge so that they can use it as a starting point to develop new studies and educate the larger community.
How Religious Leaders around the World Are Responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Andriansyah Yuli
Published: October 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for religious leaders around the world, who must balance the need to protect public health with spiritual and emotional needs. Despite these obstacles, religious leaders have risen to the occasion and implemented protective measures for their communities, including social isolation and vaccination encouragement. Through online counseling, virtual gatherings, and practical assistance, they have also provided spiritual and emotional support. Lessons learned include the significance of adapting to new technologies, putting public health and safety first, and the vital role of religious institutions in providing community and social support during times of crisis.
Examining Excess Mortality Among Critical Workers in Minnesota During 2020–2021: An Occupational Analysis
Authors: Karnik Harshada , Wrigley-Field Elizabeth , Levin Zachary , Chen Yea-Hung , Zabel Erik W. , Ramirez Marizen , Leider Jonathon P.
Published: October 2023

Objectives. To understand the occupational risk associated with COVID-19 among civilian critical workers (aged 16–65 years) in Minnesota.

Methods. We estimated excess mortality in 2020 to 2021 for critical occupations in different racial groups and vaccine rollout phases using death certificates and occupational employment rates for 2017 to 2021.

Results. Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic was higher for workers in critical occupations than for noncritical workers. Some critical occupations, such as transportation and logistics, construction, and food service, experienced higher excess mortality than did other critical occupations, such as health care, K–12 school staff, and agriculture. In almost all occupations investigated, workers of color experienced higher excess mortality than did White workers. Excess mortality in 2021 was greater than in 2020 across groups: occupations, vaccine eligibility tiers, and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions. Although workers in critical occupations experienced greater excess mortality than did others, excess mortality among critical workers varied substantially by occupation and race.

Public Health Implications. Analysis of mortality across occupations can be used to identify vulnerable populations, prioritize protective interventions for them, and develop targeted worker safety protocols to promote equitable health outcomes. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(11):1219–1222. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307395 )
The American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Escalera Cristian , Rodarte Patricia , Navarro Ronald A. , Bolanos Alberto A. , Buerba Rafael A. , Payares-Lizano Monica , Santos Erick M. , Gonzalez Mark H. , Jimenez Ramon
Published: October 2023

The mission of the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons (AALOS) is to provide collegiality, advancement, education, and social justice for Latino orthopaedic surgeons and the minority populations they represent. We strive to enhance diversity within the field of orthopaedic surgery by increasing the visibility of AALOS, highlighting its core focus, and emphasizing its mission. The purposes of this article are to discuss the need for this organization and highlight its history and future goals. As AALOS recently celebrated its 15-year anniversary, we are excited to continue advancing the field of orthopaedic surgery and improving our patients’ care.
LA VIDA INFANTIL EN LA EDAD MEDIA
Authors: Sánchez Roldán Antonio Manuel
Published: October 2023

El presente trabajo es un estudio sobre la infancia en la Baja Edad Media, utilizando, sobre todo, la información proporcionada por los tratados médicos de la época, los testimonios cronísticos, fuentes de tipo jurídico y documentación notarial, así como testimonios no escritos. Se abordarán distintos temas relacionados con la vida infantil, como son el nacimiento, la alimentación, la indumentaria, la enfermedad y la muerte, lo que nos permitirá un acercamiento a la vida cotidiana de los niños medievales.
Effects of laser power on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of welded joints in dissimilar laser welding of 05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb stainless steel and HR-2 stainless steel
Authors: Liu Hangtian , Zhao Jian , Han Ke , Xu Feifan , Liu Haikun , Li Fangzhou
Published: October 2023

The dissimilar 05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb stainless steel and HR-2 stainless steel were welded without groove and wire filling by laser deep fusion welding. The weld metals (WM) microstructure characteristics of different laser power and its mechanical properties and Crep on the corrosion resistance of welded joints resistance were investigated in detail. The dissimilar the WM illustrated ferritic-austenitic mode of solidification with different welding processes. The weld joints have fine grain size and excellent mechanical properties with lower laser powers. The test specimens of mechanical properties failed at the HR-2 side with massive dimples distributing on the fracture surfaces, indicating typical ductile fracture characteristics of weld joints. The EDS results of the WM show that the white granular carbides are mainly NbC and M(Cr, Fe)23C6 precipitated phases in the WM. The results of electrochemical testing of welded joints show that the best corrosion resistance of welded joints is achieved with higher Crep in the WM.
A Human-AI Integrated Rating System for Improving Second Language Writing:The Case of Japanese Learners of English for General Academic Purposes
Authors: Spring Ryan
Published: October 2023

In order to solve the problem of teachers not assigning and evaluating student writing
but not completely trusting AI raters, I created and tested a rating scheme in which an AI
model would rate students’ language use based on understandable criteria and humans
would quickly check the AI responses while rating content and structure. Teachers tried
the scheme and improvements were made based on new data and newly available
research. An online practice tool was also created for students so that they could
understand how the AI would rate their language use and practice accordingly. The AI
rating models were improved over the course of three semesters based on student data
and the ratings of external professional raters. As a result, an increasing number of
teachers used the rating scheme, the number of students that practiced writing and were
evaluated increased university-wide, and reasonable levels of fairness assessment were
maintained.
Modulation of Conflicts in the Stroop Task: Instructions may be enough
Authors: Entel Olga , Tzelgov Joseph , Shalev Idit
Published: October 2023

Entel and Tzelgov (2014) showed that the proportion of congruent to incongruent trials can affect congruency proportion effects just by changing the instructions about the ratio of congruent to incongruent trials. In the present study, we manipulated instructions regarding the proportion of neutral trials. Half of the participants received general instructions that did not reveal information regarding the stimulus proportions. The other half were informed that most of the stimuli would be colour words or neutrals. This held true for the stimuli in the second part of each condition. In the first part, however, the proportion of the stimuli was equal. A decreased Stroop effect was found in the mostly colour-word condition when participants received detailed instructions. Negative facilitation was observed in the mostly neutral condition as a marker of task conflict. In our second experiment, we applied an item-specific design. Some colours were presented most often as colour words and other colours as neutrals. Participants were informed about the exact pairings in advance. Once again, this held true only for the second experimental part. Informing participants in advance resulted in an item-specific proportion effect, demonstrating that this effect is not only learning-based but can also be recruited based on mere instructions regarding the proportion of neutral stimuli. In all experiments, both task conflict (defined as the latency gap between colour words and neutrals) and informational conflict (the latency gap between congruent and incongruent trials) contributed to the performance, but only informational conflict was modulated by experience. The implications of these findings for the current models of control are discussed.
Geospatial analysis of sociodemographic factors associated with the first wave of SARS- CoV-2, 6 districts, Zambia, July 2020
Authors: Chanda Stephen Longa , Imamura Tadatsugu , Malambo Warren , Bain Rommel , Musukwa Chisenga , Sinyange Nyambe , Hines Jonas
Published: October 2023

Background
The geospatialdistribution of sociodemographic factors can provide a spatial context for understanding the sociodemographic effects of infectious disease transmission, including SARS-CoV-2, a virus that is spread through respiratory secretions. We assessed the relationship between the geospatial distribution of sociodemographic factors and SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Zambia.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in six districts in July 2020, which corresponded to the upwards trend of the first wave in Zambia. In each district, 16 standard enumeration areas (SEAs) were randomly selected, and 20 households from each SEA were sampled. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was calculated as the number of persons with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test divided by the number tested. We analysed SEA geospatial data for population density, socioeconomic status (SES) (with lower scores indicating reduced vulnerability), literacy, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene factors. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to measure adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SARS-CoV-2 prevalence with geospatial factors, adjusting for clustering by district. In addition, we performed multivariable analysis using conditional autoregressive (CAR) models to measure associations between SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and the spatial distribution of sociodemographicfactors.
Results
Overall, the median SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the 96 SEAs was 41.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.0-96.2) infections per 1000 persons. In the multivariable GEE analysis, increasing SES vulnerability and increasing population density were associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR=0.59, 95% confidence interval: CI=0.38-0.92, aPR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95-0.99, respectively). Conversely, urban SEAs were associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR=2.12, 95% CI=1.29-3.49). The findings were similar in the multivariable CAR analysis.
Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was higher in wealthier, urban EAs, which was counter to our expectations. Because this study was conducted early in the first wave, our findings could be unique to this period. Additional analyses from subsequent waves could confirm whether these findings persist. At the beginning of a COVID-19 wave in Zambia, it is essential that surveillance and response activities focus on urban population centres.
Development of a novel treatment based on PKMYT1 inhibition for cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer with miR-424-5p-dependent cyclin E1 amplification
Authors: Fukumoto Wataru , Okamura Shunsuke , Tamai Motoki , Arima Junya , Kawahara Ichiro , Fukuda Ikumi , Mitsuke Akihiko , Sakaguchi Takashi , Sugita Satoshi , Matsushita Ryosuke , Tatarano Shuichi , Yamada Yasutoshi , Nakagawa Masayuki , Enokida Hideki , Yoshino Hirofumi
Published: October 2023

Background: Chemotherapy including cisplatin is recommended for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer, but its effectiveness is limited due to the acquisition of drug resistance. Although several mechanisms of cisplatin resistance have been reported, there are still many unknowns, and treatment of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer remains difficult. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to identify and characterize microRNAs involved in cisplatin resistance.
Methods: Small RNA sequencing analysis was performed to search for microRNAs related to cisplatin resistance. The identified microRNAs were then characterized using gain-of-function studies, sensitivity analysis, target gene analysis, and cellular assays.
Results: We identified miR-424-5pas a candidate microRNA that was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant strains compared with parental strains. Notably, in gain-of-function studies, miR-424-5psuppressed the proliferative ability of cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer (CDDP-R BC). Furthermore, miR-424-5p restored sensitivity to cisplatin. RNA sequence analysis revealed seven candidate genes targeted by this microRNA. Among them, cyclin E1 (CCNE1) was chosen for subsequent analyses because its expression was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant cells compared with parental cells and because recent studies have shown that CCNE1 amplification is synthetic lethal with PKMYT1 kinase inhibition. Therefore, we performed functional analysis using the PKMYT1 inhibitor RP-6306 and demonstrated that RP-6306 inhibited cell growth through suppression of mitotic entry and restored cisplatin sensitivity in CDDP-R BC.
Conclusions: Overall, our findings provided insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for CDDP-R BC.
StratosPHere 2: A response-adaptive randomised placebo-controlled Phase II trial to evaluate hydroxychloroquine and phenylbutyrate in pulmonary arterial hypertension caused by mutations in BMPR2
Authors: Deliu Nina , Das Rajenki , May Angelique , Steele Jo , Duckworth Melissa , Jones Rowena J , Wilkins Martin R , Toshner Mark , Villar Sofia S
Published: October 2023

Background
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life-threatening progressive disorder characterised by high blood pressure (hypertension) in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary artery). Although treatable, there is no known cure for this rare disorder, and its exact cause is unknown. Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-2 (BMPR2) are the most common genetic cause of familial pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study represents the first-ever trial of treatments aimed at directly rescuing the BMPR2 pathway, repurposing two drugs that have shown promise at restoring levels of BMPR2 signalling: hydroxychloroquine and phenylbutyrate.
• Methods
This three-armed, double-blind, Phase II precision medicine study will investigate BMPR2 target engagement and explore the efficacy of two repurposed therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with BMPR2 mutations. Patients will be stratified based on two BMPR2 mutation classes: missense and haploinsufficient mutations. Eligible subjects will be randomised to one of the three arms (two active therapies and a placebo) following a Bayesian response-adaptive design implemented independently in each stratum and updated in response to a novel panel of primary biomarkers designed to assess biological modification of the disease.
• Discussion
The results of this trial will provide the first randomised evidence of the efficacy of these therapies to rescue BMPR2 function and will efficiently explore the potential for a differential response of these therapies per mutation class to address causes rather than consequences of this rare disease.
Trial registration
The study has been registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN10304915, 22/09/2023)
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality in a national cohort in South Korea: Effect modification by community deprivation, medical infrastructure, and greenness
Authors: Byun Garam , Kim Sera , Choi Yongsoo , Team AiMS-CREATE , Bell Michelle L. , Lee Jong-Tae
Published: October 2023

Background: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to increased mortality risk. However, limited studies have examined the potential modifying effect of community-level characteristics on this association, particularly in Asian contexts. This study aimed to estimate the effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on mortality in South Korea and to examine whether community-level deprivation, medical infrastructure, and greenness modify these associations.
Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. A total of 394,701 participants aged 30 years or older in 2006 were followed until 2019. Based on modelled PM2.5 concentrations, 1 to 5-year moving averages of PM2.5 concentrations were assigned to each participant at the district level. Time‐varying Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the association between PM2.5 and non-accidental, circulatory, and respiratory mortality. We further conducted stratified analysis by community-level deprivation index, medical index, and normalized difference vegetation index to represent greenness.
Results: PM2.5 exposure, based on 5-year moving averages, was positively associated with non-accidental (Hazard ratio, HR: 1.10, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.01, 1.20, per 10 mg/m3 increase) and circulatory mortality (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47). The 1-year moving average of PM2.5 was associated with respiratory mortality (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). We observed higher associations between PM2.5 and mortality in communities with higher deprivation and limited medical infrastructure. Communities with higher greenness showed lower risk for circulatory mortality but higher risk for respiratory mortality in association with PM2.5.
Conclusions: Our study found mortality effects of long-term PM2.5 exposure and underlined the role of community-level factors in modifying these association. These findings highlight the importance of considering socio-environmental contexts in the design of air quality policies to reduce health disparities and enhance overall public health outcomes.
Tracking Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Niger: A Half-Decade Epidemiological Portrait (2016-2021)
Authors: Ishagh El Khalef , Talatou Marc Ouédraogo , Oumarou Batouré , Kaya Mutenda Sheria , Diawara Gbaguidi Aichatou , Camara Abdoulaye Macire , Moussa Seyni , Bienvenu Kuyangisa , Toko Joseph , Harouna Hamidou , Moussa Haladou , Kofi N’Zue , TAMUZI Jacques , Katoto Patrick D. M. C. , Wiysonge Charles S. , Anya Blanche-Philomene Melanga
Published: October 2023

Background: The global incidence of wild poliovirus cases has dramatically declined, with fewer than 350,000 cases in over 125 endemic countries. Despite progress, Niger experienced vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in 2018, highlighting the importance of maintaining Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance as a tool for polio eradication. This analysis aims to comprehensively assess AFP surveillance trends, patterns, and challenges in Niger, offering insights for public health initiatives in conflict-affected contexts.
Methods: Nationwide AFP surveillance data spanning 2016 to 2021 were analyzed. Data included demographic information, vaccination status, clinical history, circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV), AFP cases, stool specimens, and non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV). Study findings were presented through tables, graphs, and maps.
Results: A total of 4,134 AFP cases under 15 years old were included, with a Sex Ratio of 1.3. Most cases (79.85%) were aged 1 to 4 years, and 79.44% received three or more doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Fever onset (90.13%), asymmetric paralysis (80.33%), and a 3-day progression (80.48%) were common. Wild poliovirus type 2 was found in 33 cases, predominantly in Zinder province. The annualized non-polio AFP rate per 100,000 population <15 years fluctuated, with the lowest at 2.5 in 2016 and highest at 8.7 in 2018 (mean 5.93). Surveillance indicators, including faecal specimen collection, follow-up exams, NPEV detection, and timely laboratory results, performed well. However, stool specimen quality was suboptimal (69% in 2016), and stool transportation times exceeded 7 days. Five districts reported less than 80% stool adequacy.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of continued AFP surveillance in Niger, with room for improvement in stool specimen quality and transportation times. Enhancing these aspects can improve public health efforts conflict-affected areas and contribute to polio eradication in the region.
Seprafilm® and adhesive small bowel obstruction in colorectal/gastrointestinal surgery: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Choy Kay Tai , Le Khang Duy Ricky , Kong Joseph Cherng Huei
Published: October 2023

Background
The efficacy of Seprafilm® in preventing clinically significant adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is controversial and deserves further review. The aim of this review was to assess the utility of Seprafilm® in preventing clinically significant adhesive bowel obstruction after gastrointestinal operations, with particular focus on colorectal resections. The secondary aim was to provide an updated literature review on the safety profile of this implant.
Methods
An up-to-date systematic review was performed on the available literature between 2000–2023 on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases. The main outcome measures were rates of adhesive bowel obstruction, as well as rates of intervention. The secondary outcome was the clinical safety profile of Seprafilm® as described in current literature.
Results
A total of 17 observational studies were included, accounting for 62,886 patients. Use of Seprafilm® was associated with a significant reduction in adhesive bowel obstruction events (OR 0.449, 95% CI: 0.3271 to 0.6122, p < 0.001), with preserved efficacy seen in laparoscopic cases. This did not translate into a reduced rate of reintervention. Clinicians should also be aware of isolated reports of a paradoxical inflammatory reaction leading to fluid collections after Seprafilm® use, although they appear uncommon.
Conclusion
Seprafilm® can be considered in select patients although further study to determine which patients will benefit most is required.
Bacillus species are core microbiota of highly resistant maize varieties that induce host metabolic defense against corn stalk rot
Authors: Liu Wende , Xia Xinyao , Wei Qiuhe , Wu Hanxiang , Chen Xinyu , Xiao Chunxia , Ye Yiping , Liu Chaotian , Yu Haiyue , Guo Yuanwen , Sun Wenxian
Published: October 2023

Microbes colonizing each niche of terrestrial plants are indispensable for maintaining crop health. Although corn stalk rot (CSR) is a severe disease infecting maize (Zea mays) worldwide, the mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions across vertical niches in maize plants, which exhibit heterogeneous CSR resistance, remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we investigated the microbial communities associated with CSR-resistant and -susceptible maize cultivars using multi-omics analysis coupled with experimental verification. Maize cultivars resistant to CSR reshaped the microbiota and recruitedBacillusspecies with three antagonistic phenotypes to alleviate pathogen stress. By inducing the expression ofTyrosine decarboxylase 1(TYDC1), encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the production of tyramine and dopamine,Bacillusisolates that do not directly suppress pathogen infection facilitated the synthesis of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that inhibits pathogen growth. These beneficial bacteria were recruited from the rhizosphere and transferred to the stems but not grains of the infected resistant plants. Our findings offer insight into how maize plants respond to and interact with their microbiome and provide valuable strategies for controlling soil-borne pathogens.
Changes in the healthfulness of food and beverage purchases from 2006 to 2020 in formal, mixed, and informal outlets in Mexico
Authors: Domínguez-Barreto Ana Paula , Farah Irene , López-Olmedo Nancy , Perez-Ferrer Carolina , Ramírez-Toscano Yenisei , Langellier Brent A , Colchero M Arantxa , Rivera Juan A. , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh , Stern Dalia
Published: October 2023

Background: To better inform retail food environment policies in the global south, it is necessary to further understand the healthfulness of food and beverages purchased by type of food outlet over time.
Methods: Using repeated cross-sectional data from the National Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) in Mexico (2006 to 2020), we categorized food outlets as formal (supermarkets, chain convenience stores), informal (street markets, street vendors, acquaintances), fiscally mixed (public markets, small neighborhood stores, specialty stores), and others. We estimated the proportion of total purchases in each food outlet and the percentage of the types of foods purchased by outlet for the overall sample and stratified by education level and urbanicity.
Results: In 2006, the food outlets with the largest proportions of ultra-processed foods purchases were chain convenience stores (49%), small neighborhood stores (37%) and supermarkets (35%). In contrast, the outlets with the highest proportions of minimally processed food purchases were street markets (83%), public markets (81%), and specialty stores (75%). Over time, households improved the proportion of expenditure in minimally processed foods in supermarkets and small neighborhood stores (49 to 56% and 46 to 48%, respectively). Conversely, the proportion of expenditures in minimally processed foods decreased from 70 to 63% in street vendors. Households without formal education and residing in rural localities increased their minimally processed food purchases in supermarkets and specialty stores, but decreased in street vendors, acquaintances and public markets. Households with higher education and residing in more urbanized areas increased their purchases of minimally processed foods in supermarkets and small neighborhood stores and decreased in street vendors. Households in metropolitan cities also decreased purchases of minimally processed foods in chain convenience stores and specialty stores.
Conclusions: Over time, purchases from informal outlets were healthier compared to purchases from the formal and mixed sectors, but no outlet sold only healthy or unhealthy foods. To ensure access to healthy foods, food policies should consider where the largest proportion of food purchases is being made, where the healthiest purchases are, and why some purchases from certain food outlets are becoming healthier, while in others they are becoming less healthy.
Enhancing Flood Risk Assessment in Johor River Basin through Trivariate Copula
Authors: Jafry Naqibah Aminuddin , Jamaludin Suhaila , Yusof Fadhilah , Nor Siti Rohani Mohd , Alias Nor Eliza
Published: October 2023

Copulas have gained significant prominence as a powerful statistical tool with diverse applications, particularly in the field of hydrology, where they facilitate the measurement of complex relationships among various flood characteristics. Three primary flood features are considered which are peak discharge, flood volume, and flood duration, and their interdependencies are examined using copula functions. Trivariate copula is employed to capture the interrelation between these flood variables since bivariate and univariate flood frequency analyses have several shortcomings where they are unable to consider all three crucial flood factors simultaneously. In light of the presence of extreme values in flood variables, the L-Moment is proposed to estimate the parameters of the marginal distributions. This is due to its enhanced reliability and susceptibility to outliers and extreme values, unlike the commonly used parameter estimation in flood frequency analysis, Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Inference Function Margin (IFM). Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was employed to identify the best fit marginal distribution and copula. The Lognormal distribution performs well in modeling peak discharge, while the Weibull and Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distributions provide the best fits for flood volume and duration characteristics, respectively. Several widely known copula including Elliptical and Archimedean copula families are analyzed. After assessing the dependence structure between flood variables, the Clayton copula emerged as the most suitable choice. It is expected that if more flood features are combined, the return period would be higher means the event is less likely to occur if all flood factors considered simultaneously, and it was proven that theAND-joint return period has higher return periods compared to theOR-joint return period. This comprehensive analysis facilitates improved hydrological modelling and flood risk assessment in Johor River Basin, Malaysia, by employing the L-Moment method for estimating flood distribution parameters.
Research on the Anti-tumor Activity of Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors based on 3D QSAR Model
Authors: Meng Liqiang , Yang Yanhong Ou , Yao Jianxin , Lv Fuyin , huo yuehong
Published: October 2023

Background
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) pertain to the category of Zn2+ or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent proteolytic enzymes. While the antitumor effect of HDAC inhibitors alone has been demonstrated and the effect of HDAC inhibitors on solid tumors is not ideal, which considerably limits their clinical use. Therefore, the search for novel HDAC inhibitors equipped with specific inhibitors is extremely urgent and necessary.
Methods
3D-QSAR was employed to investigate insights into the crucial structural element that effect the activity of novel HDAC small molecule inhibitors. The best saliency CoMFA and CoMSIA models are obtained using 55 molecules in the training set and 16 molecules in the test set.
Results
The statistical quality of the generated model is demonstrated by internal and external cross-validations. The CoMFA model obtained satisfactory values (q2 = 0.664, r2 = 0.917, SEE = 0.217) while optimized CoMSIA model exceed with (q2 = 0.672, r2 = 0.948, SEE = 0.175).
Conclusion
The statistical parameters from 3D-QSAR models reveal that the results are reliable and significant with strong predictive ability. These theoretical results may contribute to the design of novel HDAC small molecule inhibitors with enhanced activity for the treatment of cancer.
From beauty to belief: The aesthetic and diversity values of plants and pets in shaping biodiversity loss belief among urban residents
Authors: Vuong Quan-Hoang , Duong Minh-Phuong Thi , Sari Ni Putu Wulan Purnama , La Viet-Phuong , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: October 2023

Aesthetics is a crucial ecosystem service provided by biodiversity, which is believed to help improve humans’ quality of life and is linked to environmental consciousness and pro-environmental behaviors. However, how aesthetic experience induced by plants/animals influences the belief in the occurrence and significance of biodiversity loss among urban residents remains understudied. Thus, the current study aimed to examine how the diversity of pets and in-house plants affect urban residents’ belief in biodiversity loss in different scenarios of aesthetic experiences (positive and negative aesthetic experiences at home due to plants/animals). Using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analytics on a dataset of 535 Vietnamese urban residents, we found that the people’s aesthetic feeling about their house induced by plants/animals positively affects their belief in the occurrence and significance of biodiversity loss. The diversity of plants and pets also positively influences the level of biodiversity loss belief, but the effect is conditional on the aesthetic experience of the urban residents. Specifically, the positive impact of species diversity on the belief only exists when urban residents feel that their houses’ aesthetics are negatively affected by plants/animals. Moreover, the effect of pet diversity on biodiversity loss belief is less significant and reliable than that of plant diversity. These findings suggest that raising the houses’ aesthetics through in-house planting or pet ownership can potentially enhance biodiversity loss belief and subsequently build an eco-surplus culture among urban residents.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of the Retro Propulsion Landing Burn of Vertically Landing Launchers
Authors: Marwege Ansgar , Gülhan Ali
Published: October 2023

In the frame of the European funded H2020 project RETALT (Retro Propulsion Assisted Landing Technologies) the unsteady aerodynamics of vertically descending and landing launchers have been investigated. In this paper experimental data of the landing burn tested in the Vertical Free-Jet Facility Cologne (VMK) at DLR in Cologne is presented. The landing burn was simulated with a cold gas jet of pressurized air opposing the wind tunnel free stream. Tests with several jet conditions were compared to results without active jet. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition of Schlieren recordings and spectral analyses of their time histories are performed and are compared to frequencies in pressure measurements. Dominant frequencies were found, which are strongest at Mach 0.8. Especially a Strouhal number of 0.2 was found to be most dominant. The intensity of the dominant frequencies, can be lowered if the engine is active. The normalized root mean square pressure fluctuations are between 0.1 and 0.3 during the landing maneuver. Additionally, the steady flow features scale well with the ambient pressure ratio and the momentum flux ratio.
The challenges of delivery in Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services ambulances in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Sheikhi Rahim Ali , Heidari Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Background: Although encountering with unplanned births in the ambulance is uncommon, but the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers may face with it before arrival to hospital, that can accompany with problems and challenges for ambulance staff, pregnant women and neonates. This research was done to explain the experiences of EMS providers and pregnant women.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted, and 28 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), midwives and pregnant women who had experience of prehospital births in ambulance were interviewed. Data were analyzed with thematic content analysis also MAXQDA/10 software was used for data analysis and code extraction.
Results: The analysis of the interviews revealed two main categories. Factors that cause delivery in ambulance and its challenges. The factors include cultural problems, weak managers and inaccessibility to facilities and the challenges consist of fear and anxiety, native culture and lack of resources.
Conclusions: Several approaches should be taken to reduce birth in ambulances and Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services (PEMS), including long-term cultural activities with community participation, public education and awareness-raising activities, education and follow-up of pregnant women with simultaneous increase accessibility to health facilities. Also, EMTs should be educated and trained about delivery in ambulance. Services improvement by providing proper and equipped ambulance as well as support EMTs against litigation claims are other important activities.
Plant and gastropod diversity across fragmented urban landscapes: patterns and environmental drivers
Authors: Čejka Tomáš , Jarolímek Ivan , Michalková Michaela , Šibíková Mária
Published: October 2023

Context.
Understanding biota distribution patterns and diversity within fragmented urban environments is essential for effective conservation and management.
Objectives.
The objective is to explore the impacts of fragmentation on plant and mollusc communities by examining their diversity and community composition in isolated urban forests and continuous forest stands along urban-rural gradients. The study aimed to explore plant and mollusc diversity variation across the urban-rural gradient in various landscape categories such as forest islands, peninsulas, and contiguous (control) stands and determine the responsible environmental drivers.
Methods.
The study surveyed 30 plots in Bratislava City, Slovakia, to evaluate the species richness and density of vascular plants and terrestrial gastropods in different landscape categories (see above); we also utilised microclimate data from selected plots.
Results.
The islands exhibited the highest number of non-native gastropod and plant species, whereas the control plots showed the lowest. Additionally, the forest islands were identified by an increased soil pH, coarse woody debris and litter content, enhancing the species richness of plants and molluscs. GLMs demonstrate that the landscape category had the most notable impact on the diversity of plants and molluscs. While fragmentation characteristics had an impact on the composition of plant species, they did not have a significant effect on the composition of molluscan communities.
Conclusions.
The research underlines the significance of landscape categories, environmental factors, and fragmentation characteristics when assessing biodiversity in urban forests. This finding can be used to formulate effective strategies for protecting native biota in fragmented urban forests.