bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular configuration of Torcular Herophili presenting as childhood headache
Authors: Datta Debajyoti , Sekar Arunkumar
Published: December 2022

The torcular herophili, also known as the confluence of the sinuses, has a highly variable anatomy and up to 9 different types have been reported in the literature. We describe a case of a circular configuration of the torcular herophili in a child who presented with headache in absence of other abnormalities. The torcular herophili embryologically develops from the anterior and middle dural plexus.The anterior dural plexus is joined posteriorly by the middle dural plexus forming the junctional area of the drainage of superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus and bilateral transverse sinus, thereby forming the primitive torcular herophili 2.
We propose that the circular configuration of the torcular herophili may cause episodes of headache due to raised intracranial pressure secondary to venous congestion caused by this configuration of the torcular.
Laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection with left colic artery and first sigmoid artery preservation in rectal cancer
Authors: Huang Xing , xiao zhigang , huang zhongcheng , li dan
Published: December 2022

Background
D3 lymph node dissection with left colic artery (LCA) preservation in rectal cancer surgery seems to has little effect on reducing postoperative anastomotic leakage. So we first propose D3 lymph node dissection with LCA and first sigmoid artery (SA) preservation. This novel procedure deserves further study.
Methods
Rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection with LCA preservation or with LCA and first SA preservation between September 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively assessed. The patients were categorized into two groups: preservation of LCA group and preservation of LCA and first SA group. A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was performed to decrease confounding.
Results
Propensity score matching yielded 56 patients in each group from the eligible patients. The rate of postoperative anastomotic leakage in the preservation of LCA and first SA group was significantly lower than that in the LCA preservation group (7.1% vs. 0%, P = 0.040). No significant differences were observed in operation time, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, length of distal margin, lymph node retrieval, apical lymph node retrieval, and complications. A survival analysis showed patients’ 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates of the group 1 and group 2 were 81.8% and 83.5% (P = 0.595), respectively.
Conclusion
D3 lymph node dissection with LCA and first SA preservation for rectal cancer may help reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage without compromising oncological outcomes compare with D3 lymph node dissection with only LCA preservation.
Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis in a young adult accompanying ipsilateral renal agenesis: A case report
Authors: Franin Ivan , Grubišić Igor , Gršić Lana Postružin , Kirigin Monica Stephany , Vodopić Tonći , Krušlin Božo
Published: December 2022

Background: A 31-year-old man was referred from an outside institution to the department of urology under the suspicion of a testicular tumor, with left-sided testicular pain lasting a couple of months in duration. Physical examination showed a hard, thickened and small left testis on palpation with diffuse, inhomogeneous ultrasonographic appearance. After urologic examination a left-sided inguinal orchiectomy was performed. The testis, epididymis and spermatic cord were sent to pathology.
Case presentation: On gross examination, a cystic cavity filled with brown fluid content and surrounding brownish parenchyma measuring up to 3.5 cm in diameter was found. Histologic examination showed cystically dilated rete testis lined with cuboidal epithelium and a positive immunohistochemical reaction to cytokeratins. The cystic cavity was microscopically a pseudocyst filled with extravasated erythrocytes and abundant clusters of siderophages. The siderophages extended into the testicular parenchyma, surrounding the seminiferous tubules and spreading out around ducts of the epididymis, which were also cystically dilated with siderophages inside their lumina.
Conclusions: On the basis of clinical data, histological and immunohistochemical analysis, a diagnosis of cystic dysplasia of the rete testis was established. According to the literature there is a very well-known association between cystic dysplasia of rete testis and ipsilateral genitourinary anomalies. The patient was referred to the department of radiology, and a multi-slice computed tomography scan revealed ipsilateral renal agenesis, right seminal vesicle cyst reaching up to the iliac arteries and a multi-cystic formation cranial to the prostate.
An 8-year time series of mesozooplankton fluxes in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
Authors: D’Angelo Alessandra , Mayers Kyle , Renz Jasmin , Conese Ilaria , Miserocchi Stefano , Giglio Federico , Giordano Patrizia , Langone Leonardo
Published: December 2022

In Arctic regions the food availability for epi-pelagic fauna is strictly influenced by environmental stressors, such as solar radiation, ice cover, glacial and watershed runoffs. This study presents an 8-year time-series (2010–2018) of mesozooplankton collected from a moored automatic sediment trap in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, at ~ 87m depth. The aim of this study is to observe the temporal variation in the abundance of epipelagic mesozooplankton species, collected as active flux (swimmers). Environmental stressors, including meteorological and hydrological datasets, are presented to evaluate the relative importance on the behavior of zooplankton populations. A principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the dataset revealed that the physical and chemical characteristics of seawater affected the mesozooplankton abundance and composition. Collectively, this result highlighted the role of the thermohaline characteristics of the water column on the Copepods behavior, and the correlation between siliceous phytoplankton and Amphipods. Overall, the zooplankton within inner Kongsfjorden did not show a clear seasonal trend, suggesting their high adaptivity to extreme environmental conditions. Although the swimmer fluxes have decreased from 2013 onwards, an increase in community diversity has nevertheless been observed, probably due to copepods decline and subsequent food availability. Despite the decreasing magnitude of the zooplanktonic community over time, we recorded the intrusion of subarctic boreal species, such as Limacina retroversa, since 2016. The uniqueness of this dataset is the continuous 8-year time series, which provide correlations between environmental and biological parameters in an understudied region. In a warming Kongsfjorden scenario, with the increase of submarine and watershed runoff, and the rapid Atlantification of the fjord, major changes in mesozooplankton communities are likely to be expected in the medium to long-term due to their adaptation to environmental changes and the introduction of alien species.
Shrub cover and soil moisture affect Taxus baccata L. regeneration at its southern range
Authors: Calvia Giacomo , Casula Paolo , Farris Emmanuele , Fenu Giuseppe , Fantini Sergio , Bacchetta Gianluigi
Published: December 2022

The effect of key ecological and anthropic factors on recruitment of the common yew (Taxus baccata) in Sardinia (Italy) has been analysed. After a bibliographic and cartographic research, followed by field surveys, we found 232 sites where T. baccata grows in Sardinia (opposed to 69 previously reported in literature). Among them, we selected 40 sites, distributed in 14 different mountain chains, characterised by a number of individuals ranging from 11 to 836 adult yews with average Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) from 13 to 130 cm. By means of generalised linear modelling, we investigated and weighted the effect of ecological, structural, and anthropic factors on amount of T. baccata recruitment. Stand recruitment was positively correlated to shrub cover and soil moisture, and was negatively correlated to browsing (both from livestock and wild animals). Our data confirm that the presence of a protective layer of bushy and/or spiny shrubs is a crucial factor for seedling and sapling survival, mostly in relation to protection from summer drought and browsing of large herbivores. Finally, guidelines for conservation and restoration of T. baccata communities, referred to the EU priority habitat 9580* (Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods), have been outlined.
Transfer of patients with infective endocarditis to reference centers: an analysis of patients’ profile and the influence of timing on outcomes
Authors: Zulet Pablo , Olmos Carmen , López Javier , Vilacosta Isidre , Saez Carmen , Jerónimo Adrián , Román J. Alberto San
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The 2015 European infective endocarditis (IE) guidelines recommend the management of patients with IE in reference centers (RC), especially in cases of IE complicated by heart failure, abscesses, embolisms, or neurological complications. This management strategy has demonstrated a reduction in mortality.
Methods
From January 1996 to December 2021, 1834 episodes with a final diagnosis of IE admitted in three tertiary centers were prospectively included in a multicenter, multipurpose registry.
Results
In a cohort of 1688 patients with left-sided infective endocarditis, prolonged time from diagnosis to surgery was independently associated with higher mortality in referred patients. This did not occur in patients diagnosed directly in the Reference Center, probably reflecting better risk stratification and selection of surgical timing in these centers.
Conclusion
Prompt referral of IE cases to RCs is a measure that may improve patients’ prognosis by allowing access to specialized management by dedicated teams of experts and cardiac surgery.
Mechanism of bare patch formation under Haloxylon ammodendron canopies and patch effects on soil microorganisms in the Gurbantunggut Desert, Northern China
Authors: Liu Pei , Li Eryang , Ma Yuan , Lü Jie , Zhang Qinghang
Published: December 2022

Background and aims
In the Gurbantunggut Desert, Haloxylon ammodendron and Syntrichia caninervis are often found at the base of the dunes. In these areas, bare patches usually form under the H. ammodendron canopy, but not under other shrub canopies.
Methods
We compared the soil chemical properties under H. ammodendron canopy inside the bare patches (UC) and of soil under moss crust outside of H. ammodendron canopy bare patches (UM), and used UHPLC-MS/MS to analyze soil metabolites and metagenomic sequencing to characterize the structure of soil microflora.
Results
A total of 951 metabolites were identified in the soil samples, and 518 differential metabolites were observed. The content of amides, such as oleamide, in UC soil was significantly higher than that in UM soil, suggesting that the amides may be the main allelochemicals inhibiting S. caninervis. The differences in soil chemical properties and metabolites impacted soil microorganisms, but the structure and function of microbial communities did not differ significantly.
Conclusions
The amides secreted by H. ammodendron roots create a concentration gradient under its canopy, with high concentrations inhibiting S. caninervis, causing changes in soil chemical factors inside and outside the bare patch. These changes affect the abundance of microbial species and relevant metabolic pathways. The differences in microbial communities and functions are caused by a combination of soil chemical properties and metabolites, rather than a direct effect of high levels of soil metabolites such as amides.
Deep Learning Phase Error Correction for Cerebrovascular 4D Flow MRI
Authors: Srini Shanmukha , Masutani Evan , Norbash Alexander , Hsiao Albert
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose
Background phase errors in 4D Flow MRI may negatively impact blood flow quantification. In this study, we assessed their impact on cerebrovascular flow volume measurements, evaluated the benefit of manual image-based correction, and assessed the potential of a convolutional neural network (CNN), a form of deep learning, to directly infer the correction vector field.
Methods
With IRB waiver of informed consent, we retrospectively identified 96 MRI exams from 48 patients who underwent cerebrovascular 4D Flow MRI from October 2015 to 2020. Flow measurements of the anterior, posterior, and venous circulation were performed to assess inflow-outflow error and the benefit of manual image-based phase error correction. A CNN was then trained to directly infer the phase-error correction field, without segmentation, from 4D Flow volumes to automate correction, reserving from 23 exams for testing. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation, Bland-Altman, Wilcoxon-signed rank (WSR) and F-tests.
Results
Prior to correction, there was strong correlation between inflow and outflow (ρ = 0.833–0.947) measurements with the largest discrepancy in the venous circulation. Manual phase error correction improved inflow-outflow correlation (ρ = 0.945–0.981) and decreased variance (p < 0.001, F-test). Fully automated CNN correction was non-inferior to manual correction with no significant differences in correlation (ρ = 0.971 vs ρ = 0.982) or bias (p = 0.82, Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test) of inflow and outflow measurements.
Conclusions
Residual background phase error can impair inflow-outflow consistency of cerebrovascular flow volume measurements. A CNN can be used to directly infer the phase-error vector field to fully automate phase error correction.
Differentiated extracts from freshwater and terrestrial mollusks inhibit virulence factor production in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Gutierrez-Gongora Davier , Raouf-Alkadhimi Fouad , Prosser Ryan S. , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer
Published: December 2022

The human fungal pathogen,Cryptococcus neoformans, is responsible for deadly infections among immunocompromised individuals with the evolution of antifungal resistance driving the need for discovery of new compounds that inhibit fungal virulence factors, rather than kill the pathogen. Recently, exploration into natural sources (e.g., plants, invertebrates, microbes) of antifungal agents has garnered attention by integrating a One Health approach for new compound discovery. Here, we explore extracts from three mollusk species (freshwater and terrestrial) and evaluate effects against the growth and virulence factor production (i.e., thermotolerance, melanin, capsule, and biofilm) inC. neoformans. We demonstrate that clarified extracts ofPlanorbella pilsbryihave a fungicidal effect on cryptococcal cells in a comparable way to fluconazole. Similarly, all extracts ofCipangopaludina chinensisnot only affect cryptococcal thermotolerance but also impair biofilm and capsule production with clarified extracts ofCepaea nemoralisalso conveying the latter effect. Next, inhibitory activity of extracts against peptidases related to these virulence factors combined with quantitative proteomics defined distinct proteome signatures and proposed proteins driving the observed anti-virulence properties. Overall, this work highlights the potential of compounds derived from natural sources to inhibit virulence factor production in a clinically important fungal pathogen.
Effects of acute Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice
Authors: Yadav-Samudrala Barkha J. , Gorman Ben L. , Dodson Hailey , Ramineni Shreya , Wallace Diane , Peace Michelle R. , Poklis Justin L. , Jiang Wei , Fitting Sylvia
Published: December 2022

Cannabis use is highly prevalent especially among people living with HIV (PLWH). Activation of the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective endocannabinoid system by phytocannabinoids, i.e. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been proposed to reduce HIV symptoms. However, THC’s effects on HIV-associated cognitive impairments are unclear. Using HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice, the current study investigates acute THC effects on various behavioral outcomes and the endocannabinoid system.
Minor or no effects of THC doses (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) were noted for body mass, body temperature, locomotor activity, and coordination, but spontaneous nociception was significantly decreased, with Tat induction increasing antinociceptive THC effects. Anxiogenic effects of THC (10 mg/kg) were demonstrated in Tat(−) females and males compared to vehicle-treated mice, with overall increased anxiety-like behavior in females compared to males. Object recognition memory was diminished by acute THC (10 mg/kg) injections in Tat(−) but not Tat(+) females, without affecting males. For the endocannabinoid system and related lipids, no effects were noted for acute THC, but female sex and Tat induction was associated with elevated 2-AG, AEA, AA, CB1R, CB2R, FAAH and/or MAGL expression in various CNS regions. Further, females demonstrated higher AEA levels compared to males in most CNS structures, and AEA levels in the prefrontal cortex of Tat(+) females were negatively associated with recognition memory.
Overall, findings indicate that acute THC exposure exerts differential effects on behavior in the context of neuroHIV dependent on sex, potentially due to an altered endocannabinoid system, which may be of relevance in view of potential cannabis-based treatment options for PLWH.
Statistical learning mechanisms are flexible and can adapt to structural input properties
Authors: Rutar Danaja , Wolff Erwin , Kwisthout Johan , Hunnius Sabine
Published: December 2022

Evidence has been found for two different learning mechanisms that might underlie statistical learning, computation of transitional probabilities and chunking. It is not clear though whether humans use either of the two learning mechanisms or whether they flexibly implement both. Mixed results have also been taken to indicate individual differences in the employment of learning mechanisms. In our study, we examined whether learning mechanisms are exploited differentially depending on the structure of the input to be learned. Participants were presented with three different input structures. We measured reaction times in a self-paced task and created Bayesian models that formalised different learning mechanisms. There were chunking model, transitional probabilities model and three other models were a hybrid combination of these two models. We compared the reaction times with the models’ predictions to determine which model best described learning of each input structure. The results show that the employment of the learning mechanisms indeed depends on the input structure. Additionally, hybrid models had a better fit to the data than the traditional models which might lead to the reconsideration of the traditional chunking and transitional probability models. Lastly, our findings reveal only a minor role of individual differences in learning mechanisms.
Efficacy and Safety of Detachable Microneedle Patch Containing Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Inflammatory Acne
Authors: Thantaviriya Soraya , Rojhirunsakool Salinee , Kamanamool Nanticha , Sansureerungsikul Titiporn , Udompataikul Montree , Wanichwecharungruang Supason
Published: December 2022

Detachable microneedles (DMNs) are dissolvable microneedles that detach from the base during administration. The use of DMNs-containing steroids for acne has never been investigated. Thirty-five patients with facial inflammatory acne were evaluated for acne treatment efficacy and safety of DMNs and DMNs containing triamcinolone acetonide (TA) via a 28-day randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Four inflammatory acne lesions were selected from each participant and randomly treated with a single application of 700 µm DMNs containing 262.02 ± 15.62 µg TA (700DMNTA), 1000 µm DMNs containing 160.00 ± 34.92 µg TA (1000DMNTA), 700 µm DMN without TA (700DMN), and a control. Efficacy was measured by assessing physical grading, diameter, volume, erythema index, and melanin index. Safety was evaluated by assessing reports of adverse effects from patients and physicians. All three treatment groups achieved resolution of inflammatory acne significantly faster than the control group, with median times for resolution of 4.6, 5.25, 6.7, and 8.1 days in the 1000DMNTA, 700DMNTA, 700DMN, and control, respectively. When compared to the control group, the diameters and post-acne erythema of inflammatory acne were significantly reduced in the treatment groups. The 1000DMNTA decreased acne size and erythema more than other treatments. DMNTA also tended to decrease acne size and erythema more than DMN with no TA, but there was no statistically significant difference. All participants preferred DMN over conventional intralesional steroid injection due to less pain and self-application. No adverse effect was observed. DMNTA is a safe, effective alternative treatment for inflammatory acne that significantly reduces post-acne erythema.
Trial registration: TCTR20211215006 on December 15, 2021
Pen-drawn Marangoni swimmer
Authors: Song Seo Woo , Lee Sumin , Choe Jun Kyu , Lee Amos , Shin Kyungsub , Kang Junwon , Kim Gyeongjun , Yeom Huiran , Choi Yeongjae , Kwon Sunghoon , Kim Jiyun
Published: December 2022

Pen-drawing is an intuitive, convenient, and creative fabrication method for delivering emergent and adaptive design to real devices. To demonstrate the application of pen-drawing to robot construction, we developed pen-drawn Marangoni swimmers that perform complex programmed tasks using a simple and accessible manufacturing process. By simply drawing on substrates using ink-based Marangoni fuel, the swimmers demonstrate advanced robotic motions such as square and star-shaped trajectories, and navigate through maze. The versatility of pen-drawing allows the integration of the swimmers with time-varying substrates, enabling multi-step motion tasks such as cargo delivery and return to the original place. We believe that our pen-based approach will significantly expand the potential applications of miniaturized swimming robots and provide new opportunities for simple robotic implementations.
Electrochemical, computational, chemical and surface investigation on novel synthesized imine surfactants as an eco-friendly inhibitor for carbon steel corrosion in 1 M HCl
Authors: Abo-Riya Mohamed , soliman kamal , El-Lateef Hany Abd , Tantawy Ahmed , Eid Salah
Published: December 2022

Novel quaternary ammonium surfactants based on imines, namely, (E)-3-((2-chlorobenzylidene)amino)-N-(2-(decyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-aminium chloride, (ICS-10) and (E)-3-((2-chlorobenzylidene)amino)-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-oxo-2-(tetradecyloxy)ethyl)propan-1-aminium chloride (ICS-14) were synthesized and their chemical structures were determined by different spectroscopic approaches. The surface properties of the target-prepared surfactants were investigated. The effects of both synthesized imine surfactants on carbon-steel corrosion in 1.0 M HCl solution were investigated by weight loss (WL), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The outcomes show that the inhibition effectiveness rises with raising the concentration and diminishes with raising the temperature. The inhibition efficiency of 91.53 and 94.58% were attained in the optimum concentration of 0.5 mM of ICS-10 and ICS-14, respectively. The activation energy (Ea) and heat of adsorption (Qads) were calculated and explained. Also, the synthesized compounds were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was utilized to understand the mechanism of adsorption of inhibitors on the Fe (110) surface.
Extraction of urease from soybean for preparing biocement: Laboratory study
Authors: Yu Xiaoniu , Xu Yidong
Published: December 2022

The soybean urease-induced carbonate precipitation (SUICP) is proposed as a novel biocement for the treatment of nickel contaminants and cementation of sandy soil because of the high cost of cultivating urease-producing bacteria (UPB). The best soaking time and content of soybean powder are separately 30 minutes and 130 g/L according to 5 U of urease activity standard. When the best mass ratio of urea to nickel ions to soybean powder filtrate (SPF) is 1:2.4:20, the removal efficiency of nickel ions is the best. For treating 1 L of nickel ion solution (1200 mg/L), the removal efficiency of nickel ions can reach 89.42% in the best mass ratio. The removal efficiency of nickel ions is 99.33% under the best mass ratio in the incinerated bottom ash (IBA). In biocemented sandy soil, the average unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of sand blocks cemented through the soybean urease-based biocement can reach 118.89 kPa when cementation levels are three. Currently, the average content of CaCO3 was 2.52% in sand blocks. As a result, the SUICP process can be applied to remove heavy metal ions in wastewater or solid waste and improve the mechanical properties of soft soil foundations.
Transitioning to silvopastoral forestry. Testing the common drivers of farmer adoption in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Sandino Carlos Alvarado , Barnes Andrew Peter , Sepulveda Ignacio , Garratt Michael P.D , Thompson J , Escobar-Tello Maria Paula
Published: December 2022

Current land use systems in the Amazon largely consist of extensive conventional livestock operations that drive deforestation, degrade soil ecosystems, and tend to be socioeconomically unsustainable. Silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been promoted for decades as an alternative but widespread uptake has yet to be seen. We explore the main drivers and barriers to uptake through a bespoke survey of 172 farms in the Caquetá region of the Colombian Amazon split equally between adoption and non-adoption.
Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression models are used to analyse the effects of categorical and continuous predictor variables on a binary adoption variable. Results show that knowledge gaps, years of experience in farming, as well as infrastructure issues around poor road access were negatively related to adoption, while perception of SPS benefits, proximity to other SPS farms, training in SPS, and understanding of SPS were positively related to adoption with statistical significance. The most promising intervention strategies involve addr­essing knowledge gaps via training and specialised extension and improving market access by removing regulatory barriers and strengthening demand for agroforestry products.
Avoiding “Paper Parks”: A Global Literature Review on the Socio- Economic Strategies to Enhance the Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Cintio Antonio Di , Niccolini Federico , Scipioni Sara , Bulleri Fabio
Published: December 2022

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a common management tool for preserving marine biodiversity and halting resource depletion. The number of MPAs is rapidly increasing worldwide to achieve the global targets agreed under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Nonetheless, MPAs often achieve their objectives only partially. In some cases – the so-called phenomenon of “paper parks” – protected areas totally fail to achieve their conservation targets. Therefore, identifying the factors underpinning MPA success or failure is crucial to increase their effectiveness. Here, we present the results of a global literature review of studies suggesting different strategies that managers should pursue in order to enhance MPA effectiveness. A search of the Scopus database, using strings of keywords connected by Boolean operators generated a batch of 715 items, out of which 68 were retained after the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six other articles were added through the scanning of the literature cited in selected papers. We grouped MPA success-strategies into 13 main groups and ranked them according to the frequency of citation in the literature. Each group was further split into a series of actions and relative frequencies. Our findings identify stakeholder involvement, increasing communication and awareness between specific stakeholder groups, as well as ensuring appropriate enforcement and monitoring, control and surveillance, as the leading strategies for MPA success. Our results will assist in the process of upcoming global expansion of MPAs, thus contributing to improve conservation of marine biodiversity and associated livelihoods.
Evaluation of Proximate Properties and Heating Values of Wood and Bark Content of Five Common Firewoods in Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Dadile A.M , Idoghor S.M , Umar M
Published: December 2022

The study determined the influence of proximate properties and heating values of wood and bark contents of five different firewood species. The experiment was conducted with a view to resolve the indiscriminate use of firewood with and without bark contents for energy values by the people in the study area. Majority of the people depend on firewood as a source of energy for domestic and commercial uses. Five different firewood species samples were obtained at three different locations at Damaturu, Yobe State. Each of the tree species was cut at 25 cm long and replicated three times. Therefore a total of fifteen firewood species samples were used for the study. The wood and bark were independently subjected to proximate analysis using ASTM standards. Meanwhile, the statistical test was performed using ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). The results of the study reveal that the high volatile matter was obtained in a wood portion of Sclerocarya birrea with 83.03% while a lower value of 75.19 % was found in Combretum lamprocarpum while its bark portion was found to be 65.69 % in Combretum lamprocarpum and lowest value of 44.69% was found in Piliostigma reticulatum. The variation in ash contents of wood portions ranges from 0.16% in Acacia sieberana to 0.46 % in Sclerocarya birrea. Conversely, the bark portion ranges from 5.36% in Tamaridus indica to 6.15 % in Acacia sieberana. The fixed carbon content of wood ranges from 16.51% in Sclerocarya birrea to 26.26% in Tamarindus indica, while 29.76 to 47.49% was recorded from bark portions. The heating value of the wood portion was found to be 33.48 Jkg-1 in Sclerocarya birrea to 33.65 Jkg-1 in A. sieberana. On the other hand the bark portion of 31.27 Jkg-1 was obtained in P. reticulatum and 32.22 Jkg-1was recorded from C. lamprocarpum. It is concluded that the bark content of wood insignificantly affects the proximate properties and heating value of firewood species.
The Use of Neo – Adjuvant Denosumab in Treatment of Giant Cell Tumours of the Spine
Authors: Beresford-Cleary Nicolas , Dandurand Charlotte , Mawhinney Gerard , Reynolds Jeremy
Published: December 2022

Background The current recommended treatment for Giant Cell Tumour of the spine is en bloc excision. Denosumab is a monoclonal RANKL inhibitor that shows promising results when used as a neo – adjuvant treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Denosumab on tumour characteristics and symptom relief. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 12 patients treated with denosumab as neo adjuvant and stand - alone treatment. Tumour volume and PET SUV capitation measurements were taken before and after treatment and patients were interviewed for subjective pain responses. Clinical response was determined by reduction in tumour volume, PET SUV capitation, the Boriani calcification response classification, improvement in the Bilsky epidural grading and WBB layers and improvement in pain. Results Following treatment 75% of patients were pain free with 58% noting improvement within 48 hours. Mean relative volumetric reduction in tumour volume was 42%. All pathology specimens confirmed elimination of giant cells. Improvement in Bilsky epidural disease grading occurred in 7/12 cases. Median baseline SUVmax was 14.7 and post treatment was 3.3. Sixty - seven percent of patients demonstrated intralesional bone formation following treatment. At one year follow-up, there were no cases of local disease recurrence, malignant transformation or metastases. Conclusions This study demonstrates neo-adjuvant denosumab can facilitate en bloc resection by reducing the tumour burden around critical adjacent neurovascular structures, reducing the risk morbidity and improving preoperative pain. We recommend routine use when W-B-B – based criteria are fulfilled for en – bloc excision.
Revealing the stimulus-driven component of attention through modulations of auditory salience by timbre attributes
Authors: Bouvier Baptiste , Susini Patrick , Marquis-Favre Catherine , Misdariis Nicolas
Published: December 2022

Attention allows a listener to select the relevant information of the environment and to ignore others. But irrelevant stimuli sometimes manage to capture it and stand out from a scene because of bottom-up processes driven by salient stimuli. This attentional capture effect was observed using an implicit approach based on the additional singleton paradigm. In the auditory domain, it was shown that attributes of sounds such as intensity and frequency tend to capture attention during auditory search (cost to performance) for targets defined on a different dimension such as duration. In the present study, the authors examine whether a similar phenomenon occurs for attributes of timbre such as brightness (related to the spectral centroid) and roughness (related the amplitude modulation depth). More specifically, the relationship between the variations of these attributes and the magnitude of the attentional capture effect was revealed. In experiment 1, the occurrence of a brighter sound (higher spectral centroid) embedded in sequences of successive tones produced significant search costs. In experiments 2 and 3, different values of brightness on one hand, and different values of roughness on the other hand confirmed that attention capture is monotonically driven by the sound features. In experiment 4, the effect was found to be symmetrical; the same positive or negative difference in brightness produced the same cost to performance. Experiment 5 revealed the non-additivity of the effect produced by variations of the two attributes. This work provides a methodology for quantifying the bottom-up component of attention and brings new insights on attention capture and auditory salience.
An Optimal Estimation Method on the Analysis of the Generalized Gamma Distribution Parameters Using Runge-Kutta Method
Authors: Maswadah M.
Published: December 2022

Recently, in the literature many modifications introduced to improve the maximum likelihood estimation method, however most of them are less efficient than the Bayesian method especially for small samples. Therefore, in this study an improvement method based on the Runge-Kutta technique has been introduced for estimating the generalized gamma distribution parameters and compare them with the Bayesian estimates based on the informative gamma and kernel priors. A comparison between these estimators is provided by using an extensive Monte Carlo simulation based on two criteria, namely, the absolute bias and mean squared error. The simulation results indicated that the Runge-Kutta method is highly favorable, which provides better estimates and outperforms the Bayesian estimates using different loss functions based on the generalized progressive hybrid censoring scheme. Finally, two real datasets analyses for COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Viral genome sequence datasets display pervasive evidence of strand-specific substitution biases that are best described using non-reversible nucleotide substitution models
Authors: Sianga-Mete Rita , Hartnady Penelope , Mandikumba Wimbai Caroline , Rutherford Kayleigh , Currin Christopher Brian , Phelanyane Florence , Stefan Sabina , Pond Sergei L Kosakovsky , Martin Darren Patrick
Published: December 2022

Background
The vast majority of phylogenetic trees are inferred from molecular sequence data (nucleotides or amino acids) using time-reversible evolutionary models which assume that, for any pair of nucleotide or amino acid characters, the relative rate of X to Y substitution is the same as the relative rate of Y to X substitution. However, this reversibility assumption is unlikely to accurately reflect the actual underlying biochemical and/or evolutionary processes that lead to the fixation of substitutions. Here, we use empirical viral genome sequence data to reveal that evolutionary non-reversibility is pervasive among most groups of viruses. Specifically, we consider two non-reversible nucleotide substitution models: (1) a 6-rate non-reversible model (NREV6) in which Watson-Crick complementary substitutions occur at identical relative rates and which might therefor be most applicable to analyzing the evolution of genomes where both complementary strands are subject to the same mutational processes (such as might be expected for double-stranded (ds) RNA or dsDNA genomes); and (2) a 12-rate non-reversible model (NREV12) in which all relative substitution types are free to occur at different rates and which might therefore be applicable to analyzing the evolution of genomes where the complementary genome strands are subject to different mutational processes (such as might be expected for viruses with single-stranded (ss) RNA or ssDNA genomes).
Results
Using likelihood ratio and Akaike Information Criterion-based model tests, we show that, surprisingly, NREV12 provided a significantly better fit to 21/31 dsRNA and 20/30 dsDNA datasets than did the general time reversible (GTR) and NREV6 models with NREV6 providing a better fit than NREV12 and GTR in only 5/30 dsDNA and 2/31 dsRNA datasets. As expected, NREV12 provided a significantly better fit to 24/33 ssDNA and 40/47 ssRNA datasets. Next, we used simulations to show that increasing degrees of strand-specific substitution bias decrease the accuracy of phylogenetic inference irrespective of whether GTR or NREV12 is used to describe mutational processes. However, in cases where strand-specific substitution biases are extreme (such as in SARS-CoV-2 and Torque teno sus virus datasets) NREV12 tends to yield more accurate phylogenetic trees than those obtained using GTR.
Conclusion
We show that NREV12 should, be seriously considered during the model selection phase of phylogenetic analyses involving viral genomic sequences.
Antibacterial, antioxidant potency and chemical composition of essential oils from dried powdered leaves and flowers of Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense (Schweinf.)
Authors: Sengera Geoffrey Ogeto , Kenanda Evans Okemwa , Onyancha Jared Misonge
Published: December 2022

Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense is a plant mainly used to treat diarrhoea, rheumatism, nervous disorders and wounds in African traditional medicine. The objective of the current work was to establish antibacterial, antioxidant potency and chemical composition of essential oil from the leaves and flowers of Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense. The oils were isolated by steam distillation. Antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12393), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATTC 19606), Salmonella Enteritidis (NCTC12023), Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), and Haemophilus influenzae (ATCC 49766) were done by Agar Disk Diffusion and Microtiter Broth Dilution methods. Antioxidant activities of the essentail oils were examined by different methods, DPPH, FRAP and H2O2 assays. Chemical characterization was done using Gas Chromatography interfaced with Mass Spectrometry, Fourier-Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and the quantification of phenolics and flavonoids by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and Aluminium nitrate respectively. The oils showed potential antibacterial activity with mean zone of inhibition ranging from 20.67 ± 0.33 to 32.00 ± 1.00 mm at 100 % oil concentration against the tested bacteria. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in all the tested microorganisms were in the range of 250 to 15.6250 µg/ml. The essential oils derived from th leaves revealed varied antioxidant activity levels with the different methods of assay. The IC50 of values obtained from the three methods, DPPH, FRAP and H2O2 were ˃1000 µg/ml, 0.31 µg/ml and 12.33 µg/ml respectively. Caryophyllene (22.1 %) and 2,3,4-trimethylhexane were the major chemical components of the essential oils derived from the leaves and flowers respectively. FTIR spectroscopy of the essential oils from the leaves and flowers showed similarity at peaks for hydroxyl, unsaturated olefinic and amine functional groups. Further findings indicated that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents essential oils derived from leaves were 130.4 6 ± 10.5 mg GAE/g dry weight and 0.911 ± 0.04 mg CE/g dry weight respectively. It was therefore concluded that essential oils from the leaves and flowers of H. revolutum subsp. keniense have compounds that have antibacterial and antioxidant potency.
Role of endoscopic ultrasound in primary staging and vascular assessment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: El-Nady Mohammed Ali Ahmed , Haridy Mustafa Ahmed , Hassan Amro Metwally , Abdelwahid Saad Rizk , Mohammed Mohammed Fakhry , Ead Khalid Abdelazeem
Published: December 2022

Background: computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen with contrast is the gold standard method for primary evaluation of pancreatic cancer as regard to staging and vascular assessment. however, not all patients can be evaluated by contrast enhanced CT abdomen as those with allergy to the contrast agent, pregnancy, renal impairment, in addition to hazards of radiation and non-availability of tissue sampling in CECT abdomen .so this study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of Endoscopic Ultrasound for staging and vascular assessment of pancreatic cancer in comparison to CT abdomen with contrast.
Method: fifty patients with cancer pancreas were evaluated by EUS as regard staging and vascular invasion. Vascular assessment was done by dividing the EUS findings into three types in accordance with the relationship between tumors and major vessels, type 1, clear invasion, encasement of vessel by a tumor or tumor that contact a vessel wall more than 180o; type2, Abutment, a tumor that contacts a vessel wall but less than 180o and type 3, clear non-invasion, existence of distance between a tumor and a vessel. We regarded types 1 and type 2 as signs of vascular invasion and types 3 as sign of vascular non-invasion, these findings were compared with the findings of CT abdomen with contrast. The endoscopist was blind to CT result before EUS examination.
Result: as regard to staging of pancreatic cancer EUS showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100% for all. and as regard vascular invasion EUS showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100% ,95.93% and 96% respectively for venous invasion and 95.65% ,100% and 99.5% for arterial invasion.
Conclusion: EUS can evaluate staging and vascular invasion of pancreatic cancer with very high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to the extend it can replace CT in primary evaluation, with superiority of EUS due to tissue sampling.
Consistency as a Data Quality Measure for German Corona Consensus items mapped from National Pandemic Cohort Network data collections
Authors: Yusuf Khalid O. , Miljukov Olga , Schoneberg Anne , Hanß Sabine , Wiesenfeldt Martin , Stecher Melanie , Mitrov Lazar , Hopff Sina Marie , Steinbrecher Sarah , Kurth Florian , Bahmer Thomas , Schreiber Stefan , Pape Daniel , Hoffman Anna-Lena , Kohls Mirjam , Störk Stefan , Stubbe Hans Christian , Tebbe Johannes J. , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Erber Johanna , Krist Lilian , Rieg Siegbert , Pilgram Lisa , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Reese Jens-Peter , Krefting Dagmar
Published: December 2022

Background
As a national effort to better understand the current pandemic, three cohorts collect sociodemographic and clinical data from COVID-19 patients from different target populations within the German National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON). Furthermore, the German Corona Consensus Dataset (GECCO) was introduced as a harmonized basic information model for COVID-19 patients in clinical routine. To compare the cohort data with other GECCO-based studies, data items are mapped to GECCO. As mapping from one information model to another is complex, an additional consistency evaluation of the mapped items is recommended to detect possible mapping issues or source data inconsistencies.
Objectives
The goal of this work is to assure high consistency of research data mapped to the GECCO data model. In particular, it aims at identifying contradictions within interdependent GECCO data items of the German national COVID-19 cohorts to allow investigation of possible reasons for identified contradictions. We furthermore aim at enabling other researchers to easily perform data quality evaluation on GECCO-based datasets and adapt to similar data models.
Methods
All suitable data items from each of the three NAPKON cohorts are mapped to the GECCO items. A consistency assessment tool (dqGecco) is implemented, following the design of an existing quality assessment framework, retaining their-defined consistency taxonomies, including logical and empirical contradictions. Results of the assessment are verified independently on the primary data source.
Results
Our consistency assessment tool helped in correcting the mapping procedure and reveals remaining contradictory value combinations within COVID-19 symptoms, vital-signs, and COVID-19 severity. Consistency rates differ between the different indicators and cohorts ranging from 95.84% up to 100%.
Conclusion
An efficient and portable tool capable to discover inconsistencies in the COVID-19 domain has been developed and applied to three different cohorts. As the GECCO dataset is employed in different platforms and studies, the tool can be directly applied there or adapted to similar information models.
A highly selective fluorescent probe for imaging hydrogen sulfide in living HeLa cells
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Xun Qining , Xing Wenfang , Xu Feng , Liu Xia
Published: December 2022

As an important endogenous gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been implicated with a variety of biological processes and has attracted more and more attention for its key role in a wide range of pathological processes. However, lacking tools for H2S-specific in situ detection, the changes of endogenous H2S levels in the pathological progression of diseases are still unclear. In this work, a turn-on fluorescent probe (BF2-DBS) has been designed and synthesized by two-step reactions using 4-diethylaminosalicylaldehyde and 1,4-dimethylpyridinium iodide as raw materials. Probe BF2-DBS displays high selectivity and sensitivity to H2S with a large Stokes shift and good anti-interference ability. The practical application of probe BF2-DBS to detect endogenous H2S were evaluated in living HeLa cells.