bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penicillin G and Sutherlandia Frutescens [syn. Lessertia frutescens] (Fabaceae): A Potent Combo Against Enterococcus Faecalis
Authors: Nsele Nhlanhla Wiseman , Thembane Nokukhanya
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing concern in the field of

medicine. This has led to the need for alternative treatments for bacterial infections. (2) Methods:

The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of a water-based extract of S. fru-tescens and penicillin G on the growth of E. faecalis. (3) Results: The study found that the combina-tion of the plant extract and penicillin G had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of bacterial growth, with a significantly larger inhibition zone observed compared to penicillin G alone. The MIC and MBC tests also demonstrated that the combination of the plant extract and penicillin G was more effective against E. faecalis than penicillin G alone, with a dilution of 1 in 4 yielding 100% inhibition of growth. (4) Conclusion: Although the specific mechanism of action was not dis-cussed in the study, the results suggest that the combination of the plant extract and penicillin G may offer a promising alternative treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections. Further research is needed to determine the active compounds in the plant extract and to investigate the synergistic effect of the combination on other strains of bacteria.
Hydraulic Planning in Insular Urban Territories: The Case of Madeira Island—Ribeira Brava, Tabua
Authors: Lousada Sérgio , Alves Raul , Fernandes Mário , Gonçalves Leonardo
Published: June 2023

This study’s primary goal was to conduct an analysis on the flood propensity of the Tabua (Ribeira Brava) drainage basin’s main watercourse. In addition to that, this study also recommends two different methodologies in order to mitigate flood’s impacts, namely by dimensioning a detention basin and adjusting the riverbed roughness coefficient. Regarding the study on the flood propensity, it was necessary to resort to geomorphological data, which was obtained when characterizing the watershed; that data was crucial to determine the expected peak flow rate, according to the Gumbel Distribution methodology and considering a 100 years return period, and to perform necessary tasks in the SIG ArcGIS software. Lastly, it was also analyzed the drainage capacity of this drainage basin’s river mouth, in order to conclude whether it would have the capacity to drain the total volume of rainwater if an extreme flood event was to happen. Indeed, the main results point out that this watershed’s river mouth doesn’t have the necessary drainage capacity to cope with an extreme event, for the return period that was considered. As a consequence of that, the two mitigation measures aforementioned were developed considering Tabua (Ribeira Brava) drainage basin’s specific features: the sizing of the detention basin was estimated through the Dutch Method and the Simplified Triangular Hydrograph Method, while the adjustment of the roughness coefficient was considered a valid solution to enhance the drainage capacity of this river mouth.
The Effect of Drotaverine on Gastrointestinal Motility and Heart Rate Variability in Normal, Resting Horses
Authors: Anton Alina
Published: June 2023

The impact of a non-anticholinergic spasmolytic drug (drotaverine hydrochloride) on 23 heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) motility in the normal, resting 24 horses was determined. Ten adult riding horses had ECG recordings for 180 minutes after treat-25 ment with drotaverine (180 mg) or saline. Horses from the drotaverine group presented a de-26 creased of GIT contraction for two hours after treatment, but also showed drowsiness. Drotaverine 27 caused a reduction in cardiac vagal modulation of HR at T30 (P=0.050) and T60 (P=0.008) compared 28 to those receiving saline. RMSSD and high frequency (HF) recorded significantly low values after 29 drotaverine treatment by the end of the study, suggesting a decrease in parasympathetic activity. 30 HRV analysis indicated that drotaverine decreased both the low frequency (LF) and Lf/HF ratio 31 reflecting a decrease in sympathetic system. Non linear parameters registered low values after 32 drotaverine administration pointing a diminished in parasympathetic (for SD1) and sympathetic 33 (for SD2) activity. Decreased HRV was suggestive for a pervasive state of sympathetic hypervigi-34 lance of horses. The marked effect of drotaverine on HRV and GIT function in horses should be 35 taken into consideration when evaluating a clinical response to this drug in diseases associated 36 with smooth muscle spasm.
Decision-Making and Management of Tarsal Coalition in the Young Adult Patient
Authors: Catanzano Anthony A. , Akoh Craig C. , Easley Mark E. , Mosca Vincent S.
Published: June 2023

» Tarsal coalitions most commonly affect the calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal joints in up to 13% of the general population. They alter the mechanics of the subtalar joint, limiting inversion and eversion, and place excessive stress on neighboring joints causing pain, recurrent ankle sprains, and/or progressive pes planus during the adolescent growth spurt.

» While many coalitions are identified on radiographs, advanced imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes required. These advanced imaging modalities also serve an essential role for surgical planning to quantify coalition involvement, identify fibrous or cartilaginous coalitions, and aid in determining the degree of deformity within the foot.

» Surgical treatment is reserved for feet with persistent activity-related pain not relieved by prolonged attempts at nonoperative management, which include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, shoe orthotics, and periods of non–weight-bearing in a cast. These conservative modalities may be successful in up to 85% of cases.

» For adolescent patients, recent surgical options attempt to avoid arthrodesis and focus on coalition resection and interposition grafting with or without deformity correction. The ultimate decision is based on the location of the pain, the size and histology of the coalition, the health of the posterior subtalar facet, the degree of flatfoot deformity, and the presence of degenerative changes in the subtalar and/or adjacent joints.

» While many studies focus on subtalar motion and gait kinematics, the critical outcomes remain pain relief and future need for arthrodesis, which may be related not only to resection of the coalition but assessment of deformity, including after the resection has been performed.
Conscious intention-based processes impact the neural activities prior to voluntary action on reinforcement learning schedules
Authors: Chen Xiaosheng , Chen Jingjing , Reed Phil , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2023

Most studies have been criticized for failing to capture the important features of consciousness in human nature. Conscious intention can be a promising pointcut to grasp consciousness and orient voluntary action. The current study adopted a random ratio (RR), yoked random interval (RI) reinforcement learning schedule instead of the previous highly repeatable and single decision point paradigms, aimed to induce voluntary action with the conscious intention that evolves from the interaction between short-range-intention and long-range-intention. Readiness potential (RP) -like-EEG amplitude and inter-trial-EEG variability decreased significantly prior to voluntary action compared to cued action, for inter-trial-EEG variability, mainly featured during the earlier stage of neural activities. Notably, (RP) -like-EEG amplitudes decreased significantly prior to higher RI-reward rates responses in which participants formed a higher plane of conscious intention. The present study suggests the possible contribution of conscious intention-based processes to the neural activities from the earlier stage prior to voluntary action by a novel experimental paradigm.
Biogas production potential of aquatic weeds as the next-generation feedstock for Bioenergy production: A Review
Authors: Koley Apurba , Mukhopadhyay Purbali , Gupta Nitu , Singh Ananya , Ghosh Anudeb , Show Binoy Kumar , Chaudhury Shibani , Hazra Amit Kumar , Balachandran Srinivasan
Published: June 2023

Aquatic weeds have exceptionally high reproduction rates, are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, and contain a negligible amount of lignin, making them an ideal crop for the next generation of biofuels. Previously reported studies proposed that water hyacinth, water lettuce, common duckweeds, and water spinach can be managed or utilized using different advanced techniques, while anaerobic digestion is one of the feasible and cost-effective techniques to manage these biowastes. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential of utilizing four common aquatic weed species (water hyacinth, water lettuce, common duckweeds, and water spinach) as substrates for anaerobic digestion in order to produce biogas. The high reproduction rates, high cellulose and hemicellulose content, coupled with low lignin content, of these aquatic weeds make them ideal candidates for this purpose. The study evaluated the feasibility of anaerobic digestion as a management method for these aquatic weeds, which are often considered invasive and difficult to control. The study provides an overview of the characteristics and management strategies of these aquatic weeds in relation to biogas production, with possible future developments in the field.
Understanding nutrient loads from catchment and Mar Menor eutrophication
Authors: Pérez-Martín Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2023

Eutrophication is one of the largest threats to aquatic ecosystems in the world. Mar Menor hypersaline lagoon is an example of a coastal lake under eutrophication risk due excessive nutrients loads, nitrogen and phosphorus, that came from its catchment area including urban and agricultural sources. Regular loads and punctual loads during flooding events produce algae blooms that can reduce significantly water oxygen content and cause massive mortalities, such as have been occurred in last years. A daily algae growth model (Mmag) was developed to better understand the processes and determine key elements that require further analysis in next years, such as phosphorus water-sediment interchange or the deep plants effect in the entire ecosystem and in the algae growth. The analysis strategy developed can be applied in other wetlands around the world. In the Mar Menor both nitrogen and phosphorus have high relevance depending on period of the year and the phosphorus legacy. An integrated set of measures is required to reduce mean chlorophyll to levels under 1 or 0.5 µgChla/l that can make Mar Menor more robust and resilient.
Microbiological Characterization of Biofilm From Different Immobilization Structures Used in Submersed Aerobic Biofilters in Domestic Effluent Treatment at the City of Joinville, Brazil
Authors: Damasceno Daniela Queiroz , Lafratta Fernando Humel , Valentina Luiz Veriano Oliveira Dalla , Armstrong Larice Carolina Tavares , Wegbecher Fábio Xavier
Published: June 2023

The objective of this work was to develop a structure for microbiological immobilization, in polymeric material of low environmental impact associated with its production, being used as support material in a biofiltration unit of domestic effluents, capable of promoting the efficient removal of pollutants, to meet with Brazilian legislation and/or regulations for the disposal and/or reuse of effluents. Four different structures were tested, namely: polypropylene casings without filling material (TF1); polypropylene casings, filled with expanded polystyrene grains (TF2); polypropylene casings, filled with polyurethane foam (TF3); polypropylene casings, filled with polyvinyl chloride pellets (TF4). A flow of 0.216 m3.d-1 was applied to the system, and the biofilters operated in sequential batches with a hydraulic retention time of 6 hours. The efficiency potential of the four immobilization structures was verified regarding the parameters biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total ammoniacal nitrogen and total phosphorus. The microbiological analysis of the formed biofilm, performed with the 16S library sequencing method, with amplification of the 16S rRNA V3 and V3-V4 genomic regions, showed a high diversity of microbiological colonization in the four immobilization structures, linking better results and consequently greater Community stability in TF2. It is recommended to use the filter bed made up of unfilled casings, followed by the filter bed made up of casings filled with expanded polystyrene grains.
The influence of cascade dams on multifractality of river flow
Authors: Stosic Tatijana , Stosic Borko , Singh Vijay P.
Published: June 2023

Using multifractal analysis, we investigated in this study hydrological alterations in São Francisco River basin, Brazil, caused by the construction of a cascade of dams and reservoirs. We applied Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) to daily streamflow time series recorded during 1929–2016 at locations upstream and downstream of cascade dams and for periods before and after dam construction. We calculated multifractal spectra f(α) and analyzed the complexity parameters: the position of α0 of the spectrum maximum, which represents the overall Hurst exponent H, the width of the spectrum W that represents the degree of multifractality, and asymmetry parameter r that represents the dominance of small (large) fluctuations. It was found that the changes in the values of complexity parameters obtained from multifractal spectrum of streamflow series after dam construction revealed that after the construction of Sobradinho dam, located in the Sub-Middle São Francisco region, streamflow dynamics shifted towards the regime with uncorrelated increments H∼0.5 and stronger multifractality (larger W, with the dominance of small fluctuations r>1. The superimposed influence of all cascade dams induced the streamflow regime (downstream of all dams in the Lower São Francisco region) with uncorrelated increments H∼0.5 , weaker multifractality (smaller W) and the dominance of large fluctuations (r<1). The novelty of this work is the moving window MF-DFA analysis as a tool to investigate temporal evolution of stream flow multifractality. This approach revealed other (otherwise hidden) aspects of hydrological alterations in São Francisco River such as the influence of Itaparica reservoir for which regularized discharge was adopted to be in synchronization with upstream Sobradinho reservoir. These results provide evidence that multifractal analysis can be used to assess the intricacy of hydrological alterations caused by human activities.
VNOTES (Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Surgery) Gynecologic Procedures in Morbidly and Super-morbidly Obese Women: Five Year Experience for Three Surgeons
Authors: Burnett Alexander , Pitman Thomas C. , Baekelandt Jan F.
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To analyze our experience with vNOTES gynecologic procedures in women with morbid and super morbid obesity.
Methods
Gynecologic procedures performed by three surgeons on women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 from 2017 to 2023. A subset of women with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 were also analyzed.
Results
103 women with a BMI ≥ 40kg/m2 were identified, 19 of whom had a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2. For the entire population the mean BMI was 45.7 kg/m2 (40–62). 29 women were nulliparous and 23 had at least one prior cesarean delivery. 51 had no prior abdominal surgery. The procedures performed were hysterectomy and removal of adnexae in 77 patients, hysterectomy alone in six, adnexal surgery alone in nine, and hysterectomy with adnexectomy and lymph nodes in five. Two surgeries were converted to laparoscopy and five to laparotomy. Average surgical time was 87 minutes (30–232). Average blood loss was 82 mL (10–400). Mean uterine weight was 206 g (29-2890). 53 procedures were performed as outpatient, 44 had overnight observation, four had a length of stay of two days, one each for four days and five days. The laparoscopies occurred in one patient with an obliterated cul-de-sac and in one patient for lymph node removal. The laparotomies occurred for adnexal adhesions in one, bleeding in two, a cystotomy in one requiring urology consultation, and an obliterated cul-de-sac One patient developed a postoperative vaginal cuff hematoma not requiring intervention.
Conclusion
vNOTES gynecologic procedures are feasible in this high-risk population and may result in shorter recovery times and fewer complications than standard laparoscopy or laparotomy.
Exploring Greenhouse gases emitted by road traffic and its relationship with air quality. Case of Annaba and its surroundings. North East Algeria
Authors: halimi samia , Mizane Nour El Houda
Published: June 2023

Global climate is warming, and the effects of climate change are associated with many causes, among them are the Greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and factories. The study of exposure to air pollution related to road traffic in Annaba’s region is based on the results of air analyses which shows that air temperatures arefrail, accompanied by a very high humidity due mainly to the presence of the sea and many bodies of water (Fetzara Lake). This can allow the accumulation of certain pollutants such as carbon monoxide and dust (contents of CO and dust exceed the WHO standards), while some pollutants are present in small to negligible quantities such as NO, NO2, and SO. The air quality of Annaba and its surroundings (El Bouni, SidiAmmar) can be generally described as good. Nevertheless, the existence of strong pollution due to the dust is noted close to the industrial complexesespecially ElHadjar.
Associations between ICS-based maintenance treatment and asthma outcome (asthma control, asthma exacerbation hospitalization and emergency department visit) in real world: data from CARN study
Authors: Wang Wenqiao , Lin jiangtao , Zhou Xin , Wang Changzheng , Huang Mao , Cai Shaoxi , Chen Ping , Lin Qichang , Zhou Jianying , Gu Yuhai , Yuan Yadong , Sun Dejun , Yang Xiaohong , Yang Lan , Huo Jianmin , Chen Zhuochang , Jiang Ping , Zhang Jie , Ye Xianwei , Liu Huiguo , Tang Huaping , Liu Rongyu , Liu Chuntao , Zhang Wei , Hu Chengping , Chen Yiqiang , Liu Xiaoju , Dai Luming , Zhou Wei , Huang Yijiang , Xu Jianying
Published: June 2023

Background
ICS-based maintenance treatment was the basic treatment of asthma. Nevertheless, data of real-world study of ICS-based maintenance treatment on asthma outcome was limited.
Methods
Based on a national survey on asthma control and disease perception (CARN-2015-01 study), we analysed the impact of ICS-based maintenance treatment on asthma outcome: asthma control, annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization and emergency department visit in China.
Results
Altogether 3875 asthmatic outpatients were recruited. 66.7% (2583/3875) asthma patients chose ICS-based maintenance treatment as daily maintenance treatment. After adjusting for confounding factors (age, height, weight, BMI, smoking status, comorbidities, etc), ICS-based maintenance treatment was associated with better asthma control level [OR = 0.542, 95%CI (0.476, 0.617)], higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization [OR = 1.501, 95%CI (1.271, 1.773)] and higher annual incidence of emergency department visits [OR = 1.272, 95%CI (1.074, 1.507)]. In subgroup analysis, in well-controlled asthma patients, there was no statistical difference on annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization and emergency department visits. In partly controlled asthma patients, patients with ICS-based maintenance treatment have significantly higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization (31.9% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001) and higher annual incidence of emergency department visits (24.1% vs. 19.1%, P = 0.013). In uncontrolled asthma patients, patients with ICS-based maintenance treatment have significantly higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization (44.7% vs. 28.5%, P < 0.001) but showed no statistical difference on annual incidence of emergency department visits (39.0% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.051).
Conclusions
ICS-based maintenance treatment was associated with better asthma control level, higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization and higher annual incidence of emergency department visits. During the process of ICS-based maintenance treatment, improvement of symptom control might be prior to the decrease of exacerbation risk.
Optimizing Operation Theatre Utilization: A Time and Motion Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India
Authors: A Rudresh S , Hegde Kiran , Killedar Makhdoom , Chandriki Aishwarya , Panchagavi Renuka , Yaji Abhishek , Sharma Himanshu , Krishna Santosh
Published: June 2023

Objective:to assess and optimize operation theatre utilization in a tertiary care center in Southern India
Methodology:This cross-sectional time and motion study was conducted in a tertiary care center in southern India from 10th November 2022 to 9th December 2022. Convenient sampling was used for sample selection, including only scheduled OT cases and excluding emergency cases. Data collection involved manual recording of time using a stopwatch while accompanying patients through various service points from the pre-operative area to the postoperative area. The collected data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate the time consumed for patient flow and to describe the distribution of time taken at different stages. Ethical approval was not obtained as the study focused on process flow and did not involve personal patient information. Confidentiality was maintained through the use of unique identification numbers. This methodology allowed for the calculation of patient flow time and the analysis of delay factors, providing valuable insights into the operation theatre process and factors contributing to delay.
Results:
The findings revealed variations in the average time spent in the operating theatre for different specialties, with General Surgery having the longest duration (365.65±181 minutes) and Pediatric surgery having the shortest (278.2±146.81 minutes). The Operative Phase accounted for a substantial proportion of the total time, emphasizing the need to optimize efficiency during this phase. Delays were identified at various stages of the surgical process, including patient entry, induction to incision, incision to closure, closure to wheel-out, and preparation for subsequent cases. Factors contributing to delays included delayed arrival of the anesthesia team, changes in induction medication, complications during surgery, logistical challenges, and staff delays in preparing the operating theatre.
Conclusion:
This provides valuable insights into the duration of different phases and factors contributing to delays in the surgical process. The findings highlight the need for improved coordination, streamlined processes, and effective resource management to minimize delays and enhance overall efficiency. Addressing specific causes of delay, such as delayed arrival of the anesthesia team, changes in induction medication, complications during surgery, logistical challenges, and staff delays in preparing the operating theatre, can help optimize operation theatre utilization and improve patient flow. Implementing targeted interventions and strategies to address these factors can contribute to reduced delays, enhanced resource allocation, and improved surgical care outcomes.
Performance Indices for Operational Considerations of Coastal Hydraulic Structures
Authors: Teegavarapu Ramesh S. V. , Kumar Rahul , Sharma Priyank J. , Dessalgne Tibebe
Published: June 2023

Multipurpose hydraulic structure operations in coastal regions and inland are severely impacted during high stages (water levels) combined with or without local precipitation extremes. Operational and discharge capabilities of the coastal structures are sometimes adversely affected by high upstream stage and downstream sea levels influencing the tailwater conditions. There have been many improvements in assessing canal structures concerning structural safety or hydraulic efficiency; however, operators have limited tools for decision-making and assessment during severe events. In this study, extreme (headwater and tailwater) stages and precipitation datasets were evaluated in a dependency analysis (DA), and furthermore, several indices were proposed and developed to assess the operative capabilities of the structures. The proposed indices assess the vulnerability, resilience, catchment response, and level of service (LOS) of the coastal structures at extreme stages linked to precipitation events. The developed indices can help evaluate the extreme stage levels based on any threshold stage level of interest, such as canal bank elevations, bypass elevation, or top-of-high operating levels. The methodology was applied to nine coastal hydraulic structures in Southern Florida, USA. Results point to advantages of DA and indices-based assessments that can lead to improved operations of coastal and inland hydraulic structures under extreme hydrometeorological conditions.
Free sugars intake and dental caries status among preschool children in Sri Lanka: investigating the relative balance between free sugars and fluoride toothpaste
Authors: Mututanthri Shanika , Thoradeniya Tharanga , Harris Rebecca
Published: June 2023

Background: In order to implement WHO sugar guidelines into policy in Sri Lanka, it is necessary to consider its context as a developing country with high levels of dental caries at all ages, where fluoridated toothpaste is widely available as the only mode of fluoride administration. Therefore, this study aims to identify a level of free sugars intake associated with a minimum caries risk in deciduous dentition, balancing the effect of fluoride toothpaste by investigating the relationship between the amount and frequency of free sugars intake and dental caries status quantitatively among preschool children in Sri Lanka.
Methods: Using probability proportionate to size technique and cluster sampling, 813 children aged 04-05 years were selected from preschools in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. A 67-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire was developed and validated to evaluate free sugars intake. Dental caries was assessed using decayed, missing and filled teeth index. For the selection of cut-off values for free sugars intake levels, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were used.
Results: The median (IQR) amount of free sugars intake was 57.9 (33.2 -95.8) g/day or21.1% (12.5%-35.9%) of total energy requirement, with a frequency of 4.0 (2.7-6.1) times/day. Dental caries prevalence was 42.9% (n=349). Among other possible risk and protective factors, free sugars intake as a percentage of total energy requirement (p<0.001) and frequency of free sugars intake (p<0.001) were significantly associated with dental caries. Whether or not twice daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste was undertaken had low sensitivity in predicting caries after sugar intake was taken into account. The percentage of free sugars that discriminates against a maximum number of children with dental caries (99%) was determined as 4%, of the total energy requirement of a child, which is approximately 12g/day (3 level teaspoons/day). One time per day should be the maximum frequency.
Conclusion: Sri Lankan preschool children had high levels of dental caries, associated with free sugars intake that exceeded current recommended thresholds.
Class Identity, Social Network, and Multidimensional Information Poverty of the Elderly People in China
Authors: Jiang WeiGuo , Tang ShuDi
Published: June 2023

Information poverty affects the social integration and quality of life of the elderly people, and restricts the promotion of policies to actively respond to population ageing. Based on the Chinese General Social Survey 2017, this study used the binary logistic model for the empirical analysis of the impact of class identity, social network, and their interactions on the multidimensional information poverty of elderly people. Class identity intrinsically and positively affects information medium poverty, information acquisition poverty, and information use poverty of elderly people. Social networks as an external factor to promote the elderly people to escape from information cognition poverty, information medium poverty and information use poverty. Middle-aged and elderly women more likely exhibit poverty in information acquisition and use. However, the incidence of multidimensional information poverty is low in healthy elderly people. The increase of family income and the expansion of family size can inhibit the elderly information medium poverty; the better the family economic status, the more frequently the elderly people would use information. Class identity and social network have a substitutive effect on information cognition poverty of the elderly people and a complementary effect on information medium and use poverty in them. Class identity is the key factor affecting the information medium and use poverty of the rural elderly people, and social network has a more significant role in eliminating the information medium and use poverty of the urban elderly people. Measures such as improving the social elderly care service system will help the elderly people get rid of multi-dimensional information poverty and improve their quality of life.
Description of chest pain patients in the Emergency Department of a central hospital in Ajman
Authors: Fouda Ghada , Vallabh Kamil , Elbahrawi Magda
Published: June 2023

Chest pain accounts for 8 million visits to the Emergency Department annually, which contributes to 5% to 10% of all ED visits. A recent study performed in the USA revealed that between 2% and 5% of acute coronary syndrome patients visiting the emergency department were missed without being diagnosed correctly. Study design: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analyzed the database in the SKGH emergency department for all patients presenting with chest pain between November 2017 and October 2019 using the SPSS program. Analysis included demographics: age, sex, country of origin, mode of arrival. Medical data: vital signs, triage grade, pain scale, seen within 72 hours or not, discharged within 7 days or not, final diagnosis and predisposition. The final diagnosis was differentiated into nonspecific chest pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, abdominal pain, anxiety, GERD, gastritis, stable angina, respiratory tract infections (upper and lower), aortic dissection, pneumothorax and pulmonary embolism. The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients less than 18 years old and 200 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Results: The mean age of the studied population was 49.22± 12.65 years, most of the studied population was male, the male to female ratio was 2:1, and the mode of transport was mainly walking (94, 47%), private vehicles (50, 25%) and by ambulance (31, 15.5%). The majority of patients were given triage 3 (moderate pain severity) 156 (78%), and the mean heart rate was 87.56 ± 17.97. In the 200 study population, 103 were diagnosed with nonspecific chest pain (103, 51.5%), and 27 (13.5%) were diagnosed with musculoskeletal chest pain. We found that 26 patients (13%) suffered from acute myocardial infarction (18 STEMI and 8 NSTEMI). Regarding the 18 patients with STEMI, 15 (83.3%) were males, 3 (16.7%) were females, 12 were sent for PCI, and 6 were sent for thrombolysis. There were 40 (65%) admitted patients with different diagnoses. Identifying patients with chest pain who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presents a challenge to ED physicians.
Habitat connectivity of three threatened ungulate species in the high plains native savanna of northern South America
Authors: Guerra Federico Mosquera , Barreto Sebastian , Moreno-Niño Nathalia , González-Delgado Tania Marisol , Armenteras-Pascual Dolors
Published: June 2023

The high plains native savanna landscape (HPNSL) northeast of the Orinoco River is the habitat of 50% of the wild ungulate species (WUS) reported for Colombia. Over the last 20 years, this high species diversity has been strongly threatened by the accelerated human transformation of the natural land cover causing connectivity loss of the habitats. Despite this situation, the region lacks a biological connectivity analysis with a multi-species approach involving species groups that are representative of the savanna ecosystem such as the WUS. Understanding the spatial distributions of suitable habitats and the main habitats that act as primary habitats for ungulate focal species (UFS) in these landscapes is fundamental for the design of effective conservation strategies. Here, we use an occurrence dataset for Tapirus terrestris, Odocoileus virginianus, and Tayassu pecari in the development of species' potential distribution models, the binarization process, and morphological spatial pattern analysis. This information was used for the modelling of dispersal corridors connecting the core habitats of the UFS using the randomized shortest path algorithm and quantifying the weighted global connectivity metrics. Our results suggest an integral corridor with potential least-cost dispersal routes between the HPNSL on the middle and lower-middle basins of the savanna rivers and, to a lesser extent, the lower basin of the Meta River. These areas associated with the fluvial dendritic systems are connected, while the core habitats in the eastern part of the savanna landscape are largely disconnected. We discuss how the application of such knowledge on the spatial ecology of ungulate species might improve management of the metapopulations in the Colombian HPNSL.
Biomimetic Mineralized Keratin Scaffold Fabricated by Rapid Electrodeposition for Potential Bone Regeneration
Authors: Qin Daen , Li Ruipeng , Song Kaili , Yu Zhicheng , Dong Aixue
Published: June 2023

Background, the context and purpose of the study:
For bone regeneration, rapid mineralization is of particular importance in the preparation of biomimetic bone scaffolds, as for avoiding the drawbacks of prolonged mineralization which will resulted the loss of growth factors and degradation. Thus, In this research, we developed a relatively rapid mineralization approach for constructing biomimetic keratin scaffold that exhibited highly interconnected pore and natural bone mimetic calcium phosphate coating by applying an electrodeposition technique. Mineralized keratin scaffold was obtained by freeze drying followed by electrodeposition for rapid biomimetic mineralization.
Findings, the main results:
The mineral coating morphology, component, crystal structure could be controllably tailored by manipulating the deposition electrode, voltage and duration. A satisfying coating of apatite layer on keratin scaffold could be obtained within a couple of hours by electrodeposition. By increase the voltage and duration, a more favored amounts of apatite coating which dominated by HA crystal could be formed. In addition, cell regeneration assay showed that mineralized biomimetic keratin scaffold exhibited more suitable supporting platform for the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3 cell over pure keratin scaffold.
Conclusions, brief summary and potential implications:
the rapid electrodeposition mineralization approach presented in this work could be highly desired for fabricating biomimetic scaffold in which biological molecules were loaded for functional bone tissue engineering applications.
Smart K Nearest Neighbor Outlier Detection for Electroencephalogram signal
Authors: Abid Aymen , khediri salim , Thajaoui Adel , Sherali Zeadally , Miladi Moahmed , Kachouri Abdennaceur
Published: June 2023

Electroencephalogram (EEG) data suffer from artifacts such as poor imagination or loss of concen-tration during the recognition process. The negative impact of artifacts on the quality of informationand EEG signal analysis reduces the Quality of Service "QoS" and Quality of Information "QoI" ine-health applications. This negative impact can be avoided by identifying outliers with anomaly detec-tion algorithms. Aberrant values’ identification using Euclidean distance for the K Nearest Neighbor(KNN) process between the recorded EEG values separates the time series data recorded by a personinto neural activity and artifact. The algorithms using KNN often require knowledge of the data char-acteristics to configure one or more parameters (such as the number of neighbors K and distance D). However, our proposed solution does not require the initial setting of KNN process or any additional parameters.
We propose a Smart KNN Outlier Detector (SKOD) which is an unsupervised non-parametric algo-rithm. We evaluated SKOD using various combinations of real EEG data of 140 trials with three channels of the benchmark Brain-Computer Interface "BCI competition II". We tested the perfor-mance of our solution on EEG data as provided by the studied patient (the subject) with the inclusionof different numbers of outliers. Our proposed detector achieves more than 60% of sensitivity andspecificity for detecting abnormal values with outlier detection close to 100%.
A chalcone-based fluorescence probe for H2S detecting utilizing ESIPT coupled ICT mechanism
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Weng Xingshang , Yang Zongmei , Zhao Peng , Chen Weijian , Wu Zhengxu , Zhuang Xuewen
Published: June 2023

The accurate and effective identification of hydrogen sulfide holds great significance for environmental monitoring. Azide-binding fluorescent probes are powerful tools for hydrogen sulfide detection. We combined the 2'-Hydroxychalcone scaffold with azide moiety to construct probe Chal-N3, the electron-withdrawing azide moiety was utilized to block the ESIPT process of 2'-Hydroxychalcone and quenches the fluorescence. The fluorescent probe was triggered with the addition of hydrogen sulfide, accompanied by great fluorescence intensity enhancement with a large Stokes shift. With excellent fluorescence properties including high sensitivity, specificity selectivity, and wider pH range tolerance, the probe was successfully applied to natural water samples.
Hybrid Immunization In COVID-19: Time Matters
Authors: Prada Laura Sánchez-de , Martínez-García Ana María , González-Fernández Belén , Gutiérrez-Ballesteros Javier , Rojo-Rello Silvia , Garcinuño-Pérez Sonsoles , Álvaro-Meca Alejandro , de Lejarazu Raúl Ortiz , Sanz-Muñoz Iván , Eiros José María
Published: June 2023

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 reinfections have been frequent, even among those vaccinated. The aim of this study is to know if hybrid immunity (infection+vaccination) is affected by the moment of vaccination and the number of doses received.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 745 patients with a history of COVID-19 reinfection and recovered the dates of infection and reinfection and vaccination status (date and number of doses). To assess differences in the time to reinfection(tRI) between unvaccinated, vaccinated before 6 months and later, and comparing one, two or three doses(incomplete, complete and booster regime) we performed the log-rank test of the cumulative incidence calculated as 1 minus the Kaplan-Meier estimator.
Results: The tRI was significantly higher in those vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated (q<0.001). However, an early incomplete regime(1 dose) protects similar time than not receiving a vaccine. Vaccination before 6 months after infection showed a lower tRI compared to those vaccinated later with the same regime(q<0.001). Actually, early vaccination with complete(2 doses) and booster regimes(3 doses) provided lower length of protection compared to vaccinating later with incomplete(1 dose) and complete regime(2 doses), respectively. Vaccination with complete and booster regimes significantly increases the tRI(q<0.001).
Conclusion: Vaccination increases the time it takes for a person to become reinfected with SARS-CoV-2. Increasing the time from infection to vaccination increases the time in which a person could be reinfected. Booster doses increase the time to reinfection. Those results emphasize the role of vaccines and boosters during the pandemic and can guide strategies on future vaccination policy.
Investigating the effect of vegetation cover management in a semi-arid experimental watershed
Authors: Eshghizadeh Masoud , Moosavi Vahid
Published: June 2023

This research investigated the effect of long-term excluding livestock as a measure of vegetation cover management in the Kakhk experimental watershed in northeast Iran. For this purpose, the normalized difference in vegetation index was investigated in two grazed and ungrazed sub-catchments from 1991 to 1995 and 2015 to 2019. The results of statistical comparisons showed only in the ungrazed sub-catchment, the mean values of the NDVI in the second period are significantly higher than in the first period. Based on the results, the mean NDVI in the ungrazed sub-catchment has increased from 0.103 in the first period to 0.163 in the second period, whereas, in the grazed sub-catchment it has decreased from 0.152 in the first period to 0.139 in the second period. The survey of temperature data and NDVI showed the growth period of plants in the second period started faster due to higher temperatures in March and April. The results demonstrated the ability of remote sensing to investigate the effects of exclosure to rehabilitate and restore the vegetation cover in watershed management. Also, the results showed the possibility of long-term use of the rangeland without vegetation destruction if the grazing period is managed. Therefore, grazing in the long-term cannot decrease the vegetation cover by correct grazing management. Therefore, the long-term exclosure will not be significant without the application of vegetation restoration methods in watershed management. Also, remote sensing images are capable to investigate the effects of biological measures in watershed management projects.
Metagenomic domain substitution for the high-throughput modification of non-ribosomal peptide analogues
Authors: Messenger Sarah , McGuinniety Edward , Stevenson Luke , Owen Jeremy , Challis Gregory , Ackerley David , Calcott Mark
Published: June 2023

Non-ribosomal peptides are a diverse and medically important group of natural products. They are biosynthesised by modular non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) assembly-lines in which domains from each module act in concert to incorporate a specific amino acid into a peptide. This modular biosynthesis has driven efforts to generate new peptide analogues by substituting amino acid specifying domains. Rational NRPS engineering has increasingly focused on using evolutionarily favoured recombination sites for domain substitution. Here, we present an alternative approach inspired by evolution, which involves large-scale diversification and screening. By adopting a metagenomic approach of amplifying amino acid specifying domains from metagenomic DNA derived from soil, we were able to substitute over 1,000 unique domains into a pyoverdine NRPS. To identify functional domain substitutions, we employed fluorescence and mass spectrometry screening techniques, followed by sequencing. This comprehensive screening process successfully identified more than 100 functional domain substitutions, resulting in the production of 16 distinct pyoverdines as major products. The significance of this metagenomic approach lies in its ability to shift the focus of engineering non-ribosomal peptide biosynthesis. Instead of relying on a high success rate of individual domain substitution, we have developed effective methods that enable the exploration of a broader range of substitutions. This opens new possibilities for the discovery and production of novel non-ribosomal peptides with diverse biological activities.
AI-based prediction models for non-recognizable thoracolumbar compression fractures by X-ray inspection
Authors: Liu Yi , Cui Jianhua , Liu Sibin
Published: June 2023

Objective:The study evaluated the application value of an artificial intelligence-based classification model of vertebral fractures in lumbar X-ray images.
Methods: Patients who received lateral lumbar radiographs and MRI in our unit from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively selected. According to the MRI results, the included vertebrae were divided into three categories: fresh fracture, cold fracture, and normal vertebrae. A ResNet-18 classification model was constructed using delineated ROIs on the MRI images and the performance of the model was evaluated.
Results: A total of 662 vertebrae from 272 patients were included in the study. The vertebrae were randomly divided into a training set (N=529) and an independent validation set (N=133). The performance of the model in discerning normal vertebrae, recent fractures, and chronic fractures was evaluated, showing accuracies of 0.91%, 0.42%, and 0.75%, respectively. The sensitivity measurements for these categories were 0.91%, 0.408%, and 0.72%, while the specificities were 0.796%, 0.892%, and 0.796%, respectively.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of applying artificial intelligence to develop a tripartite classification model for lumbar X-ray images; however, additional refinements are required to enhance its efficacy..
A novel anoikis-related prognostic signature associated with prognosis and immune infiltration landscape in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Zichun , Zhao Shimin , Zhu Zhengming
Published: June 2023

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancy around the world. Anoikis is a special form of programmed cell death induced by the loss of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) or improper cell adhesion. It plays an important role in body development, tissue homeostasis, disease occurrence and tumor metastasis. However, the latent impact of Anoikis on the prognosis of CRC patients is insufficient understood.
Method
Anoikis related genes (ANRGs) integrated from Genecards and Harmonizome portals were used to identify CRC subtypes and to construct a prognostic model for CRC patients. Then, we explored the immune microenvironment and enrichment pathways between different subtypes. Univariate cox and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) analysis were applied to build the ANRGs signature. The prognostic effect of the ANRGs signature was further evaluated. A series of algorithms were used to estimate the difference of the immune microenvironment the low-risk and high-risk group. The correlation between drug sensitivity and ANRGs signature was also analyzed.
Results
We identified 45 survival-related CRC anoikis related DEGs, 9 genes were selected to construct prognostic models. The prognostic risk score was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis showed that high and low risk groups had different immune status and drug sensitivity. Risk scores were combined with CRC clinicopathological features together to construct a nomogram.
Conclusion
The developed ANRGs signature could act as the biomarker and provide a momentous reference for Individual therapy of CRC patients.