bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the sustainability literacy of undergraduate students in a first-year writing course
Authors: Erguvan Inan Deniz
Published: January 2024

The significance of sustainability is increasingly accepted in society, with a consensus that higher education institutions should play a more active role in this field. As higher education institutions and society increasingly prioritize individuals' comprehension of sustainability, the need for accurate assessments of sustainability knowledge becomes more significant. To this end, this study aims to evaluate the sustainability literacy levels of students enrolled in a first-year composition course using a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. The quantitative phase involved 221 students who completed a questionnaire assessing their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and familiarity with sustainability concepts and topics. Following this, 60 students were asked to write an essay identifying Kuwait's significant sustainability challenges and proposing solutions. The results showed that gender, high school type, grade point average (GPA) value, and previous exposure to sustainability cause significant differences in students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes about sustainability and that the students primarily associate sustainability challenges with environmental problems; social and economic challenges are rarely mentioned in essays.
Supraspinal control of motoneurons after paralysis enabled by spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Capogrosso Marco , Balaguer Josep-Maria , Prat-Ortega Genis , Verma Nikhil , Yadav Prakarsh , Sorensen Erynn , de Freitas Roberto , Ensel Scott , Borda Luigi , Donadio Serena , Liang Lucy , Ho Jonathan , Damiani Arianna , Grigsby Erinn , Fields Daryl , Gonzalez-Martinez Jorge , Gerszten Peter , Weber Douglas , Pirondini Elvira
Published: January 2024

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) restores motor control after spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. This evidence led to the hypothesis that SCS facilitates residual supraspinal inputs to spinal motoneurons. Instead, here we show that SCS does not facilitate residual supraspinal inputs but directly triggers motoneurons action potentials. However, supraspinal inputs can shape SCS-mediated activity, mimicking volitional control of motoneuron firing. Specifically, by combining simulations, intraspinal electrophysiology in monkeys and single motor unit recordings in humans with motor paralysis, we found that residual supraspinal inputs transform subthreshold SCS-induced excitatory postsynaptic potentials into suprathreshold events. We then demonstrated that only a restricted set of stimulation parameters enables volitional control of motoneuron firing and that lesion severity further restricts the set of effective parameters. Our results explain the facilitation of voluntary motor control during SCS while predicting the limitations of this neurotechnology in cases of severe loss of supraspinal axons.
Structural stability changes of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Dima Mihai , Lohmann Gerrit , Knorr Gregor , Scholz Patrick , Nichita Denis
Published: January 2024

The proximity of the states of climatic tipping components to bifurcation points, which could mark the emergence of rapid and irreversible transitions, is a subject of major concern in the context of anthropogenic influence on climate. Among such systems, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has one of the largest climatic impact and it could induce a cascade of abrupt critical transitions, through its multiple connections with other components. However, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the location of the overturning circulation’s current state relative to its stability thresholds.
We identify similarities between observational and simulated spatial patterns phase spaces and bifurcation diagrams linked with overturning circulation changes. Our results suggest that the AMOC already underwent a Hopf bifurcation and entered a bistable regime before 1870, that it suffered a rate-induced tipping around 1970, possibly linked with the Great Salinity Anomaly, and that it approached the attractor of its ‘off’ state.
These changes in the overturning circulation dynamics are indicative of complex structural stability changes during the preindustrial revolution, which underline the need for a long-term temporal assessment of the overturning circulation stability on multi-centennial to millennial time-scales to set its contemporary and future evolution in a long-term context.
Oral and gut microbiome profiles in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Stagaman Keaton , Kmiecik Matthew , Wetzel Madeleine , Aslibekyan Stella , Sonmez Teresa Filshtein , Fontanillas Pierre , Holmes Michael , Walk Seth , Houser Madelyn , Norcliffe-Kaufmann Lucy
Published: January 2024

Early detection of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease with central and peripheral nerve involvement, ensures timely treatment access. Microbes influence nervous system health and are altered in PD. We examined gut and mouth microbiomes from recently diagnosed patients in a geographically diverse, matched case-control, metagenomics study. We demonstrated greater alpha-diversity in 464 PD patients versus 249 controls. The microbial signature of PD included overabundance of 16 OTUs, including Streptococcus mutans and Bifidobacterium dentium, and depletion of 28 OTUs. Machine learning models indicated sub-species level oral microbiome abundances best distinguished PD with relatively high accuracy (area under the curve: 0.758). Microbial networks were disrupted in cases, with reduced connectivity of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria from stool. Microbiome diversity metrics associated with non-motor autonomic symptom severity. Our results provide evidence for predictive oral taxonomic PD microbiome signatures that may be useful for early detection, particularly with peripheral nervous system involvement.
Exogenous ethephon treatment on the biosynthesis and accumulation of astragaloside IV in Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao
Authors: Wu Haonan , Tian Yu , Wu Jiawen , Bai Zhenqing , Zhang Xiujuan
Published: January 2024

Background
Astragaloside IV, a prominent secondary metabolite found in Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (A. membranaceus), serves as a crucial indicator of A. membranaceus quality. Ethylene, acting as an exogenous signal, plays a role in regulating secondary metabolism in plants. In this study, the application of ethephon (Eth) to hydroponically cultivated A. membranaceus was employed to investigate the biosynthesis of astragaloside IV in the roots, involving both content measurement and analysis of key gene expression.
Results
The results demonstrated that the significantly accumulation of astragaloside IV was observed on the 3rd day after 200 µmol·L− 1 Eth treatment, reaching 0.269%. Among the 10 key genes involved in astragaloside IV synthesis, HMGS, FPS, CAS, CYP88D6, and CYP93E3 were found to be insensitive to Eth. On the other hand, the expression levels of AACT, HMGR, IDI, and SS exhibited a significant increase at 12 hours under Eth treatment, followed by a notable decrease at 3rd day. Additionally, SE displayed a significant decrease at 12 hours and a subsequent increase in the 3rd day under Eth treatment. The expression level of FPS, HMGR, IDI, SS, and CYP93E3 exhibited significant negative correlations with astragaloside IV content, while expression level of SE displayed a significant positive correlation.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that exogenous Eth treatment can potentially influence the synthesis of astragaloside IV by modulating the expression of FPS, HMGR, IDI, SS, CYP93E3 and SE. This study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing molecular strategies to enhance the quality of A. membranaceus.
Construction of a nursing management program for early fluid resuscitation in patients with acute pancreatitis: A Delphi study in China
Authors: He Fang , Zhang Xiaohong , Liu Jiao , Mo Shaojian , Zhang Lei , Fu Xifeng , Tian Yanzhang , Gao Fei , Liu Yan
Published: January 2024

Aim and Objectives:
To construct a set of scientific and feasible nursing management protocols for early fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis patients who can be used to guide clinical practice and enhance the treatment efficacy in these patients.
Background
Fluid resuscitation is a key means of early treatment for AP patients and has become a clinical consensus. Nurses are important practitioners of fluid resuscitation, and there is a lack of specific enforceable nursing management programs.
Methods
Through literature research, on-site research, semi-structured interviews, and other preliminary preparations of the first draft of the nursing management program for early fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis, the Delphi method was used to conduct two rounds of correspondence with medical and nursing experts, and then statistically analyzed.
Results
Fifteen and 14 questionnaires were distributed in two rounds, respectively, and 15 and 14 questionnaires were recovered, respectively. The positive coefficient of experts was 100%, the authority coefficient was 0.970 and 0.975, respectively; the importance assignment was x ± s; the coefficient of variation coefficient was 0.05–0.21 and 0.00–0.20, respectively; and Kendall’s harmony coefficient was 0.05, with a test level of α = 0.05. A total of 5 primary indicators, 11 secondary indicators, and 36 tertiary indicators were used to construct the Nursing Management Program for Early Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis.
Conclusions
The constructed nursing management plan for early fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis patients puts forward clear requirements and standards for nursing care in the early stage of AP treatment. This plan is in line with the principles of science and operability, has good clinical application and promotion value, and can promote standardized management of early fluid resuscitation in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Role of Dapagliflozin in Ischemic Preconditioning in Patients With Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease – DAPA-IP study protocol
Authors: Akamine Marco Alexander Valverde , Soares Beatriz Moreira Ayub Ferreira , Telles João Paulo Mota , de Assis Arthur Cicupira Rodrigues , Rodriguez Gabriela Nicole Valverde , Soares Paulo Rogério , Chalela William Azem , Scudeler Thiago Luis
Published: January 2024

Background
Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is a powerful cellular protection mechanism. The cellular pathways underlying IP are extremely complex and involve the participation of cell triggers, intracellular signaling pathways, and end-effectors. Experimental studies have shown that sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors promote activation of 5′-adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the main regulator of adenosine 5′-triphosphate homeostasis and energy metabolism in the body. Despite its cardioprotective profile demonstrated by numerous clinical trials, the results of studies on the action of SGLT2 inhibitors in IP are scarce. This study will investigate whether the effects of dapagliflozin on IP in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods
The study will include 50 patients with multivessel CAD, documented ischemia by stress testing, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients will undergo 4 exercise tests, the first two, with a time interval of 30 minutes between them, after the washout period of cardiovascular or hypoglycemic medications and, the last two, after 7 days of dapagliflozin 10 mg once a day, also with a time interval of 30 minutes between them. Patients with stable multivessel CAD, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and documented ischemia will be included.
Discussion
The role of SGLT2 inhibitors on IP is not clearly established. Several clinical trials have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events, notably heart failure. However, such studies have not shown beneficial metabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, such as reducing myocardial infarction or stroke. On the other hand, experimental studies with animal models have shown beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on IP, a mechanism that confers cardiac and vascular protection from subsequent ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on IP, which could result in an important advance in the treatment of patients with stable CAD.
Disseminate Reduce Flexible Fuzzy linear regression model to the analysis of an IoT-based Intelligent Transportation System
Authors: khan Mufala , Kumar Rakesh , Dhiman Gaurav , Rakhra Manik
Published: January 2024

FLM with TFN coefficients that are symmetrically arranged have traditionally been used to develop fuzzy regression analysis. In this study, The FLM is generalized to the case when the dispersion of a fuzzy non-symmetric number is minimized. Here, we employ non-symmetric trapezoidal and TFN coefficients in our fuzzy linear models. Fuzzy number coefficients can be used to discover the closest approximations of non-symmetric fuzzy numbers, we suggest a fuzzy regression method leveraging existing techniques. On the basis of the suggested strategy and existing FLR-model, we finally resolve the numerical examples and also give an application of FLRM. A "smart city" is one that makes use of both traditional city services and digital ones. The system's ability to deliver services depends on the compatibility of its information technology and physical infrastructures. Some have dubbed this breakthrough "the future of innovation" since it targets all six pillars of sustainability: economic growth, social equity, effective governance, mobility options, environmental protection, and improved quality of life. Consideration should be given to mobility, one of the six pillars of smart cities. Interstate travel is impacted by interprovincial trade in road freight. Therefore, accurate provincial estimates of road freight transportation are crucial for enhancing rural traffic operations generally. Researchers build and test models with information from all 30 of Iran's regions in 2008. In modelling, POP is the primary independent variable. FLRM and POP are used to calibrate FLRA, and the resulting error values are used as a measure of the model's ability to match the data.
Assessment of carboxymethyl chitosan loaded-amygdalin nanoparticles as biocompatible drug delivery vehicle for anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Elhoussiny Asmaa , Soliman A A F , Abd-EL-Nour K N
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, the development of anti-tumor drugs has been dedicated to natural products. Amygdalin is a natural herbal cyanoglycoside that has anticarcinogenic effect on many types of cancers once hydrogen cyanide (HCN)is released. It appears that if amygdalin is encapsulated in the nano-formulation, the cytotoxic effect on malignant cells can be enhanced, producing a synergistic effect while protecting normal cells and tissues.In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMC NPs) encapsulated with amygdalin were prepared and characterized through their particle size, surface charge, chemical structure and dielectric properties.Also, the invitro drug release of amygdalin from CMC NPs was studied. Additionally, the cytotoxcity of the amygdalin and CMC-loaded amygdalin NPs were evaluated through MTT assay.The results showed that theCMC-loaded amygdalin NPs exhibited a small nano-size of 129 nm, high zeta potential value of -43 mV and confirmed the amygdalin stability and compatibility with CMC NPs. Furthermore, the CMC NPs demonstrated sustained release of amygdalin during 24 hours.Moreover, compared to free amygdalin, amygdalin-loaded CMC NPs have significant anti-cancerous effect on human colon HCT-116 and breast MCF-7 cancer cell lines while being safe on normal cells BJ1.In conclusion, CMC NPs can be employed as an efficient drug delivery vehicle for controlled and sustained release of amygdalin with enhanced cytotoxicity on malignant cells without harming normal cells.
Neurocognitive mechanisms underlying action tool knowledge tasks: the specificity of tool-tool compared to hand-tool manipulation tasks
Authors: Lesourd Mathieu , Osiurak François , martin julie , Hague Sébastien , Levitre Margolise , Clément Gautier , de Bustos Elisabeth Medeiros , Fargeix Guillaume , Magnin Eloi , Moulin Thierry
Published: January 2024

Our ability to use tools is heavily based on action tool knowledge, allowing us to specify the action required to use a tool. Action tool knowledge can be assessed mainly with two kinds of tasks, namely, tool-tool compatibility tasks (i.e., deciding whether two tools are grasped or manipulated in the same way) and hand-tool compatibility tasks (i.e., deciding whether a tool is correctly held in hand). While these tasks are used to assess action tool knowledge, recent data showed striking dissociations between these tasks in brain-damaged patients. In this study, we explored (1) the neural bases (Experiment 1; n = 34 healthy participants); (2) the neuropsychological dissociations (Experiment 2; n = 60 brain damaged patients); and (3) the potential cognitive mechanisms engaged during these two tasks (Experiment 3; n = 52 healthy participants). The three experiments provide convergent arguments by showing that both tasks are sharing common core computations supported by a left-lateralized brain network, but manipulation hand-tool task engaged regions outside of this brain network and is explained by visual imagery while manipulation tool-tool task is rather explained by motor imagery. Our results shed a new light on action tool knowledge tasks.
Giant clams modify crystallographic and geochemical pathways of shell formation in response to turbidity
Authors: Mills Kimberley , Sosdian Sindia , Muir Duncan , John Eleanor , Nadia Santodomingo , Johnson Kenneth , Buse Ben , Waheed Zarinah
Published: January 2024

Marine calcifying organisms on coral reefs are under threat from a range of anthropogenic stressors. Understanding their biomineralization pathways in different reef environments is key to unravelling their response to a rapidly changing ocean. Turbid reefs are forecast to increase throughout the 21st century and are resilient conservation hotspots, yet understudied due to a lack of information resolving biomineralization processes. Herein, for the first time, we assess the crystallographic and geochemical signatures of aragonite giant clam shells Tridacna squamosa from high and low turbid reefs in the Coral Triangle. Shell composition is strongly influenced by turbidity and biominerals formed in a high turbid reef show a more organized crystal orientation and significantly lower element-to-calcium ratios (Magnesium/Calcium, Strontium/Calcium). We hypothesize that these variations are driven by physiological changes related to the trophic flexibility of T. squamosa. Observed differences have implications for biomechanical and defence responses of shells, important in their ability to survive future change.
The Economic and Social Impacts of Providing Universal Healthcare in the United States: A Rapid Scoping Review
Authors: Welch Sarah B. , Navrange Neha , Wetoska Nina , Capan Selin
Published: January 2024

Background: The United States has the unfortunate distinction of spending much more on healthcare than other countries around the world while also having poorer health outcomes.Understanding the economic and social impacts of solutions to the current state of high healthcare costs and poor outcomes is critical both from an economic and social perspective. A detailed investigation into the costs and benefits, both economic and social, is needed to understand the impact of implementing a universal healthcare model in the US.
Methods: We conducted a rapid scoping review of recent literature related to universal healthcare in the United States to identify its potential economic and social impacts. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar articles published between 2020-2023, in English, and focused on universal healthcare in the US. Exclusion criteria included discussions of medical conditions without a specific tie to universal coverage, books, political think tank publications, graduate student scholarship, reference chapters in encyclopedias, and duplicate articles. Two researchers reviewed, summarized, and coded the sources.
Results: Our search yielded 2070 results with 67 documents included in the final scoping review. Analysis uncovered five themes related to the economic impact of implementing a universal healthcare model in the US: 1) government spending, 2) individual spending and income, 3) national health expenditures, 4) impact on the US’s gross domestic product and economy, and 5) impacts on specific costs and cost-controls. Identified social impacts included 1) healthcare access, utilization, and health outcomes, 2) quality of care, 3) patient and provider experience, 4) individual and societal externalities, 5) potential opposition and support, and 6) equity.
Conclusions: On balance, the economic and social impacts of implementing a universal healthcare system in the US are overwhelmingly positive. To be sure, there will be some sectors that will not benefit from this change, many political hurdles to overcome, and valid concerns remain about ensuring the system does not duplicate and perpetuate the current system’s inequalities and inefficiencies. When looked at overall however, a universal healthcare system in the US will be vastly superior to the current system and will improve health for less money.
Evaluation of the impact of an online video game as an educational intervention on sexual health and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infection: A randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Martinez-Satorres Alba , Roca-Saumell Carme , Escale-Besa Anna , Arcarons-Marti Marta , Fernandez-Segura Francisco Javier , Wagner Carolina Allegra , Pires-Nuñez Pablo , Turmo-Tristan Nuria , Diez-Garcia Lorena , Maron-Lopez Andrea , Marti-Oltra Zulema , Lasagabaster-Uriarte Maria , Vanrell-Nicolau Marta , Silva-Torres Sonia Da , Ruiz-Torres Alvaro , Pino-Prieto Pablo , Pillay Dhyaanenshan , Casaldaliga-Sola Angels , Lazaro-Navarro Xavi , Martin Maria Isabel Fernandez San
Published: January 2024

Background:
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, especially among young people. Tools are needed to increase knowledge about sex education and STI prevention and treatment. Gamification can be a good training tool for both young people and health professionals. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a training intervention on STI prevention, detection, and treatment in primary care professionals.
Methods/design: We propose a multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial.
Groups of primary care professionals will receive an intervention (online video game on sex education and STIs [SEXIT]) and will be compared with control groups that will not receive the intervention. Group assignments will be randomised by clusters.
The study will consist of a pre-post evaluation of the intervention: a knowledge test will be administered before and after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. This test will also be carried out in the same time sequence on control groups. The impact of the training intervention will be evaluated for 6 months by studying different variables related to the clinical approach to STIs by studying the clinical records of diagnostic tests and antibiotic prescriptions related to the clinical approach to STIs.
The required sample size is 262 (131 per group).
Discussion: An improvement in knowledge and in clinical behavioural outcomes after the intervention is expected for participants in the intervention groups compared to the control groups. We plan to develop an educational video game to increase knowledge about sexuality, STIs and violence.
An Automatic, Non-Invasive Method to Monitor Respiratory Muscle Effort During Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Gutierrez Guillermo
Published: January 2024

Purpose
This study introduces a method to non-invasively and automatically quantify respiratory muscle effort (Pmus) during mechanical ventilation (MV). The methodology hinges on numerically solving the respiratory system's equation of motion, utilizing measurements of airway pressure (Paw) and airflow (Faw). To evaluate the technique's effectiveness, Pmus was correlated with expected physiological responses. In volume-control (VC) mode, where tidal volume (VT) is pre-determined, Pmus is expected to be linked to Paw fluctuations. In contrast, during pressure-control (PC) mode, where Paw is held constant, Pmus should correlate with VT variations.
Methods
The study utilized data from 250 patients on invasive MV. The data included detailed recordings of Paw and Faw, sampled at 31.25 Hz and saved in 131.2-second epochs, each covering 34 to 41 breaths. The algorithm identified 51,268 epochs containing breaths on either VC or PC mode exclusively. In these epochs, Pmus and its pressure-time product (PmusPTP) were computed and correlated with Paw's pressure-time product (PawPTP) and VT, respectively.
Dystonia-parkinsonism as the Presenting Feature of Hypothalamic Germinoma
Authors: Barros Lívio Leite , Silva Walisson Grangeiro Bringel , Lima Pedro Lucas Grangeiro de Sá Barreto , Araújo David Augusto Batista Sá , Filho Duílio Reis Rocha , Gerson Gunter , Guimarães Thiago Gonçalves , Dias Daniel Aguiar , Paiva Anderson Rodrigues Brandão , Braga-Neto Pedro , Nóbrega Paulo Ribeiro
Published: January 2024

Background: Parkinsonism is more often caused by lesions affecting the basal ganglia but may also occur in lesions outside of this region.
Case report: We report a case of a 17-year-old boy that presented with imbalance, slowing of movements, and abnormal posturing of the right arm. Neuroimaging revealed a lesion involving the right hypothalamus, with mild volume loss of the left thalamus and putamen.
Discussion: Parkinsonism caused by brain tumors is very rare. To our knowledge there is no previous report of germinomas causing parkinsonism or dystonia. Most previously reported cases of parkinsonism secondary to tumors had a favorable outcome after tumor excision, but dopaminergic treatment was ineffective. This challenging case highlights the possibility of secondary causes for dystonia-parkinsonism and the possibility of lesions outside the main basal ganglia circuit presenting with parkinsonism.
Safety Equipment Wearing Detection Algorithm for Electric Power Workers Based on RepGFPN-YOLOv5
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Xiuchuan , Shen Yu , Abdullahi Hauwa Suleiman , Gao Shangbing , Wang Chao , Zhang Xingchao , Zhang Haiyan , Yang Wenjun , Zhou Liguo
Published: January 2024

Wearing inspection safety equipment such as insulating gloves and safety helmets is an important guarantee for safe power operations. Given the low accuracy of the traditional insulating gloves and helmet-wearing detection algorithm and the problems of missed detection and false detection, this paper proposes an improved safety equipment wearing detection model named RepGFPN-YOLOv5 based on YOLOv5. This paper first uses the K-Means + + algorithm to analyze the data set for Anchor parameter size re-clustering to optimize the target anchor box size; secondly, it uses the neck network (Efficient Reparameterized Generalized Feature Pyramid Network, RepGFPN), which combines the efficient layer aggregation network ELAN and the re-parameterization mechanism), to reconstruct the YOLOv5 neck network to improve the feature fusion ability of the neck network; reintroduce the coordinate attention mechanism (Coordinate Attention, CA) to focus on small target feature information; finally, use WIoU_Loss as the loss function of the improved model to reduce prediction errors. Experimental results show that the RepGFPN-YOLOv5 model achieves an accuracy increase of 2.1% and an mAP value of 2.3% compared with the original YOLOv5 network, and detection speed of the improved model reaches 89FPS.The code: https://github.com/CVChenXC/RepGFPN-YOLOv5.git.
Association of overweight and obesity with cardiovascular disease morbidity and adverse outcomes in older adults: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Su Donghai , Chen Liyuan , Ding Jiacheng , Wang Junjie , Shi Songhe
Published: January 2024

Background: The effect of baseline overweight and obesity status on cardiovascular disease(CVD) morbidity and adverse outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between overweight, obesity and CVD morbidity, mortality, and all-cause mortality in Chinese older individuals.
Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from electronic health examination records of 86,049 older individuals aged ≥ 60 years in Xinzheng City, Henan Province, China, from January 2011 to December 2019. Cox proportional risk regression models and competing risk models were utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD morbidity and mortality, as well as all-cause mortality, in overweight and obese individuals. Restricted cubic splines were employed to evaluate dose-response associations.
Results:During a median follow-up of 5.96 years, 35,731 older individuals were diagnosed with CVD. The total number of participant deaths was 17,029, with 7,605 deaths from CVD. The morbidity of CVD was higher in the overweight and obese groups compared to the normal BMI group, with HRs of 1.06(95%CI, 1.02-1.10) and 1.23(95%CI, 1.16-1.30), respectively. Competing risk models controlling for fatal events showed an increased morbidity of CVD in the overweight and obese groups, with HRs of 1.15(95%CI, 1.11-1.18) and 1.31(95%CI, 1.26-1.37), respectively. In contrast, the overweight group had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality compared to the normal BMI group, with HRs of 0.91(95%CI, 0.88-0.94) and 0.89(95%CI, 0.82-0.97), respectively. The study found that the risk of all-cause mortality was lower in the obese group, with HRs of 0.89(95%CI, 0.82-0.97). Participants had the lowest risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality when their BMI was between 26 and 28 kg/m². The restricted cubic spline plots showed a J-shaped association between BMI and CVD morbidity and an inverse J-shaped association with CVD mortality and all-cause mortality.
Conclusion:Overweight and obesity are positively correlated with the morbidity of CVD and negatively correlated with all-cause mortality in Chinese older individuals. However, it cannot be assumed that there is a negative correlation between obesity and CVD mortality. Therefore, obese individuals should aim to reduce weight appropriately, and overweight individuals should take appropriate measures to prevent obesity.
The Impact of state Corporate Opportunity Waivers on county entrepreneurial outcomes in the United States
Authors: Patel Pankaj C.
Published: January 2024

This study examines the impact of corporate opportunity waivers (COWs) on local entrepreneurial initiatives in counties across the United States. Using a reduced-form differences-in-differences approach based on intent-to-treat, we investigate the causal relationship between the phased adoption of COW by states and changes in county-level business applications, establishment activity, and regional entrepreneurial acceleration index (REAI). Using the traditional two-way fixed-effects (TWFE) approach we find that COW increases business applications in early years, followed by establishment activity in later years (t + 3 to t + 5), and increases regional entrepreneurial acceleration index (REAI). However, using Callaway and Sant’ Anna’s approach for testing staggered adoption none of the effects are supported. The findings have implications for regional entrepreneurship literature.
JEL Codes: L26; M13; O18; R11; D22
Associations of Four Surrogate Insulin Resistance Indexes with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Chinese Patients with Obesity
Authors: Xiao jinfeng , Zhang Xinxin , Chang Lina , Yu Hong , Sun Longhao , Zhu Chonggui , He Qing
Published: January 2024

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the association of four surrogate indexes of IR with NASH in patients with obesity.
Methods A total of 270 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, were included in this cross-sectional study. NASH was diagnosed based on liver biopsies. Binary logistics regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of four surrogate indexes of IR (HOMA-IR, Matsuda index, TyG, and TG/HDL-C) with NASH in patients with obesity. The restricted cubic spline was used to assess the dose-response associations of surrogate indexes of IR with NASH after adjusting for confounding factors.
Results NASH was diagnosed in 136 patients, with a prevalence of 50.37%. Compared with tertile 1, the fully adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of NASH for tertile 3 were 2.711(1.113-6.608) and 0.297 (0.152-0.579) for TyG and Matsuda index. Consistently, per SD increment of TyG were still significantly associated with 64% increased risks of NASH, and per SD increment of Matsuda index were still significantly associated with 38% decreased risks of NASH. In contrast, no significant associations were found between HOMA-IR and TG/HDL-C and the risk of NASH in patients with obesity (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions In patients with obesity, TyG and Matsuda index were independently related to the risk of NASH after adjustment for traditional risk factors. In addition, compared with HOMA-IR and TG/HDL-C, the Matsuda index and TyG may be more suitable for NASH prediction in patients with obesity. Keywords Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Insulin resistance, Obesity
Studying several parameters on unreinforced masonry infill walls R.C framed structure by SeismoStruct program
Authors: Metwaly Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Reinforced concrete infilled-frames (IF) are commonly used in buildings in the world nowadays. They are often built schools, offices, dwellings, and hospitals, and other kinds of residential and public buildings. The infilled is generally considered a nonstructural element and is ignored in design and analysis despite his strong interaction with the bounding RC frame. Unreinforced Masonry infill walls (URM) are commonly used in the Reinforced Concrete (RC) framed structures as interiors and exterior partition walls. In this research, the behavior of infilled frames is inspected through studying eight frame models were studying several parameters on unreinforced masonry infill walls R.C framed structure such as bare frame (BF), infilled-frame (IF), infill panel with different compressive strength and infill panel with different thickness. Verification studies are performed on one previous experimental works through nonlinear pushover analysis. The analysis showed that increase compressive strength of infill panel increase capacity and thickness of infill panel increase capacity.
Antimicrobial graphene-TiO2 surface coating method for dental implants and abutments
Authors: Marashde Chereen , Moufti M. Adel , Hamad Mohamad , Alami Abdul Hai , Rojas-Andrade Mauricio D. , Sulaiman Ashna , Abla Fatima
Published: January 2024

Background
Despite the pivotal role of dental implants in restorative dentistry, persistent microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on implant surfaces pose significant challenges, often leading to peri-implant diseases and implant failure. Antimicrobial coatings, particularly those employing titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene, show promise in addressing these issues by harnessing their potent antimicrobial properties upon UV activation. Here, we present a facile method for depositing graphene onto TiO2-coated titanium substrates using a bulk turbostratic blasting technique and examine the potential synergistic antibacterial effect of graphene and TiO2 under UV-A irradiation.
Methods
Titanium and TiO2 substrates were coated with graphene using a bulk turbostratic technique and graphite powder. Deposition of graphene, TiO2, and graphene/TiO2 onto titanium substrates was assessed by Raman microscopy. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by colony-forming unit counts of Escherichia coli suspensions following exposure to varied durations of UV-A light in the presence of TiO2 and graphene/TiO2 substrates. To ensure reproducibility, three samples of each material underwent testing on three distinct days. Statistical comparison among study groups was conducted utilizing a two-tailed Student t-test, where values with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results
Graphene deposition onto TiO2 was successfully accomplished using optimized turbostratic blasting parameters: 3 passes at 6.5 MPa pressure with substrates positioned 5 cm from the nozzle. Verification of successful deposition was confirmed by the presence of D, G, and 2D bands observed in the Raman spectra post-deposition. Importantly, few-layer graphene and not graphite was deposited under these conditions as evidenced by the position and width of the 2D band. Titanium substrates coated solely with TiO2 exhibited near-complete bacterial eradication upon 10 minutes of UV-A exposure. However, the introduction of a graphene layer led to a noticeable reduction in the antibacterial efficacy.
Conclusions
These results showcase the efficacy of a cost-effective turbostratic blasting method for graphene deposition onto TiO2 surfaces. While the impact of graphene on antimicrobial activity is evident, additional refinement of the TiO2/graphene interface is necessary to harness their synergistic effects. This optimization is pivotal for developing surface coatings that are amenable to processing by dental professionals and can robustly deter bacterial colonization on dental implants and abutments.
De novo biosynthesis of anthocyanins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using metabolic pathway synthases from blueberry
Authors: Mei Xuefeng , Hua Deping , Liu Na , Zhang Lilin , Tian Yujing , Zhao Baiping , Huang Jinhai , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2024

Background Anthocyanins are water-soluble flavonoids in plants, which give plants bright colors and are widely used as food coloring agents, nutrients, and cosmetic additives. There are several limitations for traditional techniques of collecting anthocyanins from plant tissues, including species, origin, season, and technology. The benefits of using engineering microbial production of natural products include ease of use, controllability, and high efficiency.
Results In this study, ten genes of anthocyanins synthetic pathway were successfully cloned from anthocyanin-rich plant materials blueberry fruit and purple round eggplant rind. The Yeast Fab Assembly technology was utilized to construct the transcriptional units of these genes under different promoters. The transcriptional units of PAL and C4H, 4CL and CHSwere fused and inserted into Chr. XVI and IV of yeast strain JDY52 respectively using homologous recombination to gain Strain A. The fragments containing the transcriptional units of CHI and F3H, F3'H and DFRwere inserted into Chr. III and XVI to gain Strain B1. Strain B2 has the transcriptional units of ANS and 3GT in Chr. IV. Several anthocyanins, including cyanidin, peonidin, pelargonidin, petunidin, and malvidin, were detected by LC-MS/MS following the predicted outcomes of the de novo biosynthesis of anthocyanins in S. cerevisiae using a multi-strain co-culture technique.
ConclusionWe propose a novel concept for advancing the heterologous De novo anthocyanin synthesis pathway, as well as fundamental information and a theoretical framework for the ensuing optimization of the microbial synthesis of anthocyanins.
Protective association between human papilloma virus and handgrip strength in women, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Jinlong , Sun Zhenqian , Chen Yunzhen , Jiao Guangjun
Published: January 2024

Background
To understand the relationship between human papilloma virus (HPV) and handgrip strength (HS) in women.
Methods
We based our survey on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2014). Comparable dataset was created by propensity score matching (1: 1). The Welch two-sample t test was used to analyze the association between HPV infection and HS. For further validation, a linear mixed model was performed. Restricted cubic spline curve and Kendall's tau-b test were used to explore the effect of HPV infection type on HS.
Results
A total of 1118 female eligible subjects were included in the comparable dataset. The mean HS of 559 subjects infected with HPV was 60.83 ± 9.65 (Kg), which was significantly higher than that of uninfected subjects (59.16 ± 10.89) (P = 0.007). Linear mixed model revealed a higher HS (mean increase = 1.094) was found in subjects infected with HPV (P = 0.026), compared to uninfected. And the larger the number of cooccurring HPV types in a woman, the higher the HS was (P for nonlinear < 0.05). In addition, Kendall's tau-b correlation tests showed HPV type 59 was negatively correlated with HS. HPV type 51, 61 and 72 were positively correlated with HS.
Conclusions
There is a protective association between HPV infection and HS in female subjects by analyzing data from a nationally representative database. The larger the number of cooccurring HPV types, the higher the HS was.
Comparison Of noninvasiv Indexes in the Determination of NAFLD in Obese Adolescents And A Recommendation For A Diagnostic Chart
Authors: Yetim Aylin , Şahin Memduh , Kandemir İbrahim , Bulakçı Betül , Aksakal Melike Tuğrul , Karapınar Edanur , Sever Hayrettin , bas firdevs
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly common health issue in obese children and adolescents. NAFLD does not occur in every obese patient and in some cases, ultrasonography is inadequate for diagnosis.In this study, BMI SDS, WC SDS, triponderal mass index (TPMI), HbA1c, HOMA-IR, TG/HDL, LAP index, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and aminotransferase index, used in the diagnosis of NAFLD in obese adolescents,were examined together and their diagnostic values for clinical use were compared. Material and method: Adolescents who presented at a pediatric clinic between January and August 2022 and who had been diagnosed with exogenous obesity without any comorbidities,were included in the study.The presence of NAFLD was assessed using liver MRI. Laboratory findings were obtained retrospectively from the system records. Gender, HOMA-IR, TyG index and aminotransferase index were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: In the comparison between NAFLD(+) and NAFLD(-) obese adolescent groups, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, aminotransferase index and TyG index were higher in the NAFLD (+) group (p = 0.012;p = 0.001; p = 0.012; p = 0.002, respectively). There was a positive correlation between liver fat percentage and HOMA-IR,TyG index,aminotransferase index and TG/HDL. According to regression analysis, male gender and HOMA-IR elevation were determined to be significant risk factors for NAFLD). Conclusion: Even if no NAFLD is detected on USG imaging, evaluation of HOMA-IR and TyG index levels, especially in high-risk patients, will support the diagnosis of NAFLD. In obese adolescents with a HOMA-IR value of ≥ 4.55and a TyG index value of ≥ 8.38, evaluation should be made with liver MRI, even if no NAFLD is detected on USG imaging. A basic chart with ALT, HOMA-IR, TyG, and gender with a diagnostic accuracy of 80%, positive predictive value of82.5% and sensitivity of 80% may assist in diagnosis of NAFLD in obese adolescents.
Is EUS-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy Safe and Effective After Failed ERCP: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Authors: Alsakarneh Saqr , Madi Mahmoud Y , Kilani Yassine , Jaber Fouad , Ahmed Mohammad , Beran Azizullah , Abdallah Mohamed , Ta’ani Omar Al , Mittal Anika , Numan Laith , Bilal Mohammad , Kiwan Wissam
Published: January 2024

Introduction: EUS-HGS has recently emerged as an alternative option for biliary drainage in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There is limited and variable data on safety and efficacy of EUS-HGS in the literature. In this comprehensive metanalysis, we aim to study the safety and efficacy of EUS-HGS in cases of failed conventional ERCP.
Methods: Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to include all studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS. Using the random effect model, the pooled, weight-adjusted event rate estimate for the clinical outcomes in each group was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success rate.
Results: Our analysis included 70 studies with a total of 3527 patients. The pooled technical and clinical success rate for EUS-HGS were 98.1% ([95% CI, 97.5–98.7]; I2 = 40%) and 98.1% ([95% CI, 97.5–98.7]; I2 = 40%), respectively. The pooled incidence rate of total adverse events with EUS-HGS was 14.9% (95% CI, 12.7–17.1) with bile leakage being the most common (2.4% [95% CI, 1.7–3.2]). The pooled incidence of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) was 15.8% [95% CI, 12.2–19.4] with a high success rate for reintervention (97.5% [95% CI, 94.7–100]).
Conclusion: Our analysis showed a high technical and clinical success rate of EUS-HGS making it as feasible and effective alternative to ERCP. The ongoing development of dedicated devices and techniques is expected to make EUS-HGS more accessible and safer for patients in need of biliary drainage.
On-chip resistive microfluidic flow sensor with reduced analysis time using transient analysis
Authors: Deswal Harsh , Kanaparthi Srinivasulu , Singh Shiv Govind , Agrawal Amit
Published: January 2024

In the realm of microfluidics, a critical issue prevails: the majority of flow sensors are situated external to the microfluidic chip itself, resulting in an inherent deficiency of precise operational insights. Fields like drug development, concentration gradient generation, and proactive healthcare demand meticulous, dependable data for broader utilization. In our current work, we introduce a microfluidic flow sensor designed to gauge electrochemical resistance within a circuit comprising electrolytic fluid and inter-digitated electrodes. This sensor's design features a Si wafer substrate housing micropatterned Ti/Pt electrode seamlessly bonded to a polydimethylsiloxane microchannel using oxygen plasma. What sets this innovation apart is the placement of microelectrodes within the microchannel, enabling on-chip flow rate measurements. Employing aqueous NaCl with variable solute concentrations ranging from 0.1 M to 0.4 M, we optimized the microchannel dimensions to accommodate flow rates spanning 0-500 µL/min. The sensor achieves a limit of detection (LOD) at 1 µL/min and boasts a resolution of 5 µL/min for lower flow rates (0 to 100 µL/min), while maintaining a resolution of 100 µL/min for higher flow rates (100 to 500 µL/min). Moreover, we have implemented an algorithm based on the trapezoidal rule, enabling flow rate prediction within 5 seconds. With its capability to swiftly and accurately measure flow rates across a wide spectrum, this proposed device emerges as an invaluable tool for applications mandating continuous flow rate monitoring.