bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species-resolved metagenomics reveal ecological effects on the microbiota in a global pest, the whitefly, using 2bRAD-M
Authors: Yang Kun , Zhang Yuxin , He Yitong , Li Hongran , Zhou Jincheng , Zhang Youjun , Chu Dong
Published: May 2024

Background
Microbial communities including symbionts play vital roles in insect hosts. Abiotic factors, especially ecological factors also have significant influence on the structure of the microbiome and the abundance of symbionts within hosts. However, the effects of the bacterial symbionts and ecological factors on the microbiota in host whitefly remains poorly understood.
Results
In this study, 49 Bemisia tabaci MED populations collected in 23 locations around the world were sequenced using 2bRAD-M, to explore the relationships among ecological factors, symbionts and microbial diversities in whiteflies. Results revealed that microbial community structures significantly differed in the different geographical B. tabaci MED populations, and the abundance of many symbionts including Portiera, Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Cardinium, and Wolbachia, significantly influenced with one another. Also, the diversity of bacterial communities in whiteflies were significantly affected by the relative abundance of symbionts including Cardinium and Hamiltonella. Meanwhile, environmental factors including temperature, precipitation, longitude and latitude significantly influenced the abundance of many symbionts and the diversity of bacterial communities in B. tabaci MED.
Conclusions
Overall, our results revealed complex interactions among ecological factors, among ecological factors, microbiota diversity and symbionts in B. tabaci MED. This helps to comprehend the complex interactions among these factors in insect hosts.
Terahertz Communication Channel Construction and Reflection Characteristics Based On 6G Network
Authors: Chen Sijia , Wang Qingquan , Guo Yuan
Published: May 2024

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology has improved to overcome propagation issues and enable high data speeds in 5G and 6G wireless networks. The capabilities of 5G networks are limited in their ability to support future applications such as extended reality and 3D gaming. Terahertz (THz) transmission, a key component of 6G networks that enable fast data transmission over short distances, has consequently attracted increasing attention. Addressing challenges, including signal interference, antenna design, regulatory compliance, and security concerns, is essential for realizing the full capabilities of wireless communication in the mmWave and THz frequency ranges.The Terahertz Channel Analysis Framework for Next-Generation Wireless Networks (TCAF-NGWN) examines complex design components, channel models, and signal propagation in the mmWave and THz bands. The report evaluates these bands' capabilities to fulfill 6G networks' evolving communication needs and examines commercial application standardization efforts. 6G terahertz communication channel research mainly occurs in academic labs and focuses on antenna arrays, channel properties, and transmitter/receiver combinations. Signal transmission is analyzed for route loss, multipath fading, signal attenuation, reflections, obstacles, and diffraction. Channel capacity, data rate, reflection coefficients, and signal-to-noise ratio are evaluated. The study analyses the theoretical models and improves communication systems using literature and datasets like the Terahertz Wireless Channel Dataset. Comparing the suggested model to THz-IRS, UM-MIMO, and CDOT shows its advantages. The research advances terahertz wireless communication technologies by providing insights into channel propagation and system performance in practical circumstances through precise experimental setups and measuring techniques.
A novel role of IGFBP5 in the migration, invasion and spheroids formation induced by IGF-I and insulin in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Rodríguez-Rojas Karem , Cortes-Reynosa Pedro , Torres-Alamilla Pablo , Rodríguez-Ochoa Nínive , Salazar Eduardo Perez
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system includes IGF-1, IGF-II insulin and their membrane receptors. IGF system also includes a family of proteins namely insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) composed for six major members (IGFBP-1 to IGFBP6), which capture, transport and prolonging half-life of IGFs. However, it has been described that IGFBPs can also have other functions.
Methods
IGFBP5 expression was inhibited by shRNA, migration was analyzed by scratch-wound assays, invasion assays were performed by the Boyden chamber method, spheroids formation assays were performed on ultra-low attachment surfaces, expression and phosphorylation of proteins was analyzed by Western blot.
Results
IGFBP5 is a repressor of IGF-IR expression, but it is not a repressor of IR in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In addition, IGFBP5 is a suppressor of migration and MMP-9 secretion induced by IGF-I and insulin, but it does not regulate invasion in MCF-7 cells. IGFBP5 also is a repressor of MCF-7 spheroids formation. However treatment with 340 nM rescues the inhibitory effect of IGFBP in the MCF-7 spheroids formation.
Conclusion
IGFBP5 regulates IGF-IR expression, migration and MMP-9 secretion induced by IGF-I and/or insulin, and the spheroids formation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Clinical Pharmacy Activity Collection Tool for Ambulatory Care Practice
Authors: Ishak Izwan , Cheng Caroline , Greenland Lindsay , Bates Ian
Published: May 2024

Background
A clinical pharmacy activity collection tool is important for improving service quality. In a London-based hospital, such a tool that was developed for use in ward-based practice has been used in all settings, including ambulatory care services. However, clinical pharmacists practicing in ambulatory care services have reported that this tool does not adequately represent their practice.
Aim
This study aimed to determine whether the existing ward-based tool accurately captured all clinical pharmacy activities undertaken in ambulatory care services.
Method
Non-participant direct observation was used to record the frequency of activities observed in ambulatory clinics and multidisciplinary meetings. These activities were compared with the existing tool to identify any discrepancies in activities. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the views of 8 ambulatory pharmacists on the representativeness of the tool for their routine clinical activities.
Results
Twenty-nine clinical pharmacy activities were observed in the ambulatory services. Fifteen of these activities were captured by the existing tool, with monitoring of therapy and recommending therapeutic changes not accurately captured, while multidisciplinary meeting activities not comprehensively captured. Pharmacists’ responses were inclined towards the view that the tool was not completely representative with some irrelevances. The 4 common uncaptured activities were multidisciplinary meeting specific activities, arranging laboratory tests, monitoring patient outcomes during follow-up, and liaising with community healthcare professionals to coordinate care.
Conclusion
The existing ward-based clinical pharmacy activity collection tool is not completely representative of the clinical pharmacy activities undertaken in ambulatory care practice.
Larvicidal and Antibiofilm Potential of Three Mountain Plants: Centaurea ensiformis, Origanum hypericifolium, Paeonia turcica
Authors: bursalı fatma , Boncooğlu Rukiye Yavaşer , Touray Mustapha , Aytar Mehmet , Çelik Ali
Published: May 2024

Plants are known to produce a diverse group of natural metabolites with different biological activities. Centaurea ensiformis P.H. Davis, Origanum hypericifolium O. Schwartz & P.H. Davis and Paeonia turcica Davis & Cullen are endemic plant species that grow on mountains in select regions in Türkiye and have been used in traditional Turkish medicine for various ailments. As a first, we evaluated the larvicidal and antibiofilm activities of ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone and water extracts obtained from these plants. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were also investigated. All tested extracts were effective at concentrations > 25ppm on Aedes aegypti larval mortality with the LC50 values ranging between of 32.82–48.35 ppm and LC90 between 46.26–63.2 ppm. O. hypericifolium was the most effective plant, ethanol extracts presented LC50 values of 32.82 ppm. Extracts demonstrated varying degrees of antibiofilm activity depending on the dose and bacterial species. Origanum hypericifolium extracts notably inhibited biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus (up to 98% inhibition), while P. turcica showed moderate efficacy against the same bacterial species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms displayed high resistance to all extracts. The results indicate that these endemic Turkish plants possess promising larvicidal and antibiofilm potential, particularly Origanum hypericifolium. Further research should elucidate the bioactive compounds responsible for these activities, optimize extraction methods, and explore potential applications in mosquito control and biofilm-related infections.
Screen Viewing Patterns and Their Association with Mental Wellbeing and Psychological Distress: A Cross-sectional Study amongst University Students
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Padmapriya Natarajan , Chua Xin Hui , Escobosa Linda Lizeth Tirado , Tay Andrew Epaphroditus , Tai Bee Choo , Petrunoff Nicholas , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: May 2024

Background
Dependency on screen viewing (SV) has reached unprecedented levels, and mental health issues are becoming a major public health concern. However, the associations between SV, including variations in purposes, devices, and timing, and mental health remain unclear. This study aims to provide insights into these associations among university students.
Methods
This analysis used baseline data from a longitudinal cohort study among first-year university students matriculating in the 2021–2022 academic year. Self-reported data on sociodemographics, health behaviors and mental health outcomes alongside anthropometric measurements were collected. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results
The average age of 997 valid students was 20.2 years, and most were female (59.6%). Students spent 14.3 hours daily on SV, with females reporting higher SV than males. Daily SV was predominant for study purposes (7.6 hours/day). Computer usage was the highest (7.0 hours/day), while TV usage was the lowest (1.7 hours/day). Poor mental wellbeing was reported by 33.6% of students, while 13.9% experienced psychological distress. Compared to students with low total SV, those with high levels were more likely to have poor mental wellbeing [OR (95% CI): 1.40 (0.99, 1.98)] and psychological distress [1.56 (1.00, 2.44)]. High levels of recreational and study related SV were significantly associated with poor mental wellbeing [1.81 (1.27, 2.56)] and psychological distress [1.75 (1.11, 2.83)], respectively. Those with high levels of computer time were more likely to have poor mental wellbeing [1.44 (1.01, 2.06)], and high weekend day SV was associated with greater odds of psychological distress [2.16 (1.17, 4.06)].
Conclusions
SV among university students was high, as was the high prevalence of poor mental wellbeing and psychological distress. Greater SV was associated with poor mental wellbeing and psychological distress. Differences according to purpose of SV were noted. Although recreational SV was associated with poor mental wellbeing, study related SV was associated with psychological distress. Variations across different devices and timing were also noted. This highlights the need for further longitudinal research to understand the impact of SV on mental health and to guide interventions for promoting mental health of university students globally.
The gut microbiome modulates the impact of Anaerobutyricum soehngenii supplementation on glucose homeostasis in mice
Authors: Hutchison Evan R. , Yen Mei-I , Peng Hubert W. , Davis Chris R. , Vivas Eugenio I. , Tallon Michael M. , Bui Thi Phuong Nam , de Vos Willem M. , Yen C-L Eric , Nieuwdorp Max , Rey Federico E.
Published: May 2024

Background
There is growing interest in the development of next-generation probiotics to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome. Previous studies suggested that Anaerobutyricum soehngenii may represent a promising probiotic candidate. A recent human study showed that while A. soehngenii supplementation is well tolerated and safe, it resulted in variable responses among individuals with a subset of the subjects significantly benefiting from the treatment. We hypothesized that gut microbiome variation is linked to the heterogeneous responses to A. soehngenii treatment observed in humans.
Results
We colonized germ-free mice with fecal microbiota from human subjects that responded to A. soehngenii treatment (R65 and R55) and non-responder subjects (N96 and N40). Colonized mice were fed a high-fat diet (45% kcal from fat) to induce insulin resistance, and orally treated with either live A. soehngenii culture or heat-killed culture. We found that R65-colonized mice received a benefit in glycemic control with live A. soehngenii treatment while mice colonized with microbiota from the other donors did not. The glucose homeostasis improvements observed in R65-colonized mice were positively correlated with levels of cecal propionate, an association that was reversed in N40-colonized mice. To test whether the microbiome modulates the effects of propionate, R65- or N40-colonized mice were treated with tripropionin (TP, glycerol tripropionate), a pro-drug of propionate, or glycerol (control). TP supplementation showed a similar response pattern as that observed in live A. soehngenii treatment, suggesting that propionate may mediate the effects of A. soehngenii. We also found that TP supplementation to conventional mice reduces adiposity, improves glycemic control, and reduces plasma insulin compared to control animals supplemented with glycerol.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the importance of the microbiome on glycemic control and underscore the need to better understand personal microbiome-by-therapeutic interactions to develop more effective treatment strategies.
The effect of heat stress on the running performance of professional soccer players during the Brazilian elite championship
Authors: Augusto Diego , Vasconcellos Fabrício
Published: May 2024

In recent years, climate phenomena, such as global warming, have represented a risk to players. Thus, studies involving outdoor sports and high temperatures have been conducted to show the influence on athletes' performance. However, this information requires greater clarity in the scientific community. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on running performance in matches played during a Brazilian championship. Thirty matches were analyzed from 20 professional soccer players who belonged to the team in the state of Rio de Janeiro during the Brazilian elite championship (2019). To quantify running performance during soccer matches, players used GPS device units. Temperatures were classified by the Cluster method into three groups: high (35.9–29.5 C), moderate (26.4–21 C) and low (20.0–14.1 C). The 1-minute peak of acceleration and deceleration was greater in high temperature situations (p = 0.02–0.03). In matches with low temperatures, accelerations, decelerations, high-intensity running, and sprinting were greater (p = 0.01–0.02). Significant correlations, negative and low, for sprinting (r = − 0.23; p = 0.01), acceleration (r= -0.29; p = 0.001) and deceleration (r= -0.24; r = 0.007). The temperature influenced the running performance of soccer players.
Evaluation Of Cardiac Function in Children Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Bansal Neha , Mahgerefteh Joseph , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Kogan-Liberman Debora , Ovchinsky Michelle , Ganzburg Kayla , Choueiter Nadine
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a complication of cirrhosis resulting in cardiac dysfunction. It remains poorly characterized in children. The aim of this study was to assess relationship of pre liver transplant (LT) conventional and novel parameters of biventricular function with post-LT clinical course.
Methods: This is a retrospective study of pre-LT echocardiograms performed on patients <18 years of age with cirrhosis at a single centre, who received a LT. Demographic, clinical and echocardiographic data was collected. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) analysis was performed by a single observer using TomTec system. Descriptive data was expressed as mean (SD) and number (%). The relationship between clinical data and echocardiographic variables were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Significance was set at < 0.05.
Results: Thirty-five patients (median age 6.5; IQR 14.2 years) underwent LT between 2010-2020. Pre LT diagnosis was biliary atresia in 14 (40%) patients and 7 (20%) patients were listed as status 1A/1B. Their median natural pediatric/model end-stage liver disease score was 13 (IQR 9). Their pre-LT echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular systolic (LV) function by ejection fraction and strain parameters. Right ventricular (RV) function was abnormal in 74% of patients as measured by RV GLS (23 ± 3%). There was correlation between echocardiographic parameters with pre transplant clinical disease and post-operative LT course (length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation).
Conclusions: Children undergoing liver transplant have RV dysfunction as evidenced by abnormal RV GLS on STE. There is echocardiographic parameter correlation between clinical liver disease and post-LT clinical course.
Uptake of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Nakiggala Joana , Lwenge Mathias , Nakalembe Doreen , Tamale Bridget Nagawa , Nalugya Aisha , Galiwango Jovan , Wejuli Junior Mike , Tebandeke Kenneth , Isunju John Bosco , Mugambe Richard K , Ssekamatte Tonny
Published: May 2024

Background
Hepatitis B is a significant health problem worldwide, particularly among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSWs). In Uganda, it is highly recommended that FSWs receive the hepatitis B vaccine. However, there is limited evidence of the level of uptake of the vaccine and associated factors among FSWs in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among FSWs in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design among 400 female sex workers enrolled using multistage sampling techniques was conducted. Data were collected using a digitized semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations were used to present continuous data while frequency and portions were used to present categorical data. A “modified” Poisson regression analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between predictor variables and uptake of hepatitis B vaccination.
Results
A total of 400 respondents (98.5% response rate) were interviewed. Close to half, 49.8% (199/400) of the respondents had ever heard about hepatitis B, and 16.5% had received at least a hepatitis B vaccine dose. The individual factors associated were spending more than 4 years in sex work (APR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.12, p = 0.010), being screened for hepatitis B (APR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.38–1.61, p < 0.001), and those whose job (sex work) allowed them to get time to seek HBV services, (APR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04–1.22, p = 0.002). The health system were having hepatitis B outreaches in the place of residence (APR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.03–1.33, p = 0.010) and ever receiving information related to hepatitis B from peers (APR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05–1.31, p = 0.004).
Conclusion
The study revealed a low hepatitis B vaccination uptake among FSWs, with less than a tenth having completed the recommended three vaccine doses. These results suggest the need for targeted health initiatives that leverage peer-driven system and enhance outreach programs to improve hepatitis B vaccine uptake and overall health outcomes within this population.
Adaptive Neural Self-Triggered Bipartite Consensus Control for Nonlinear Fractional-Order Multi-Agent Systems With Actuator Fault
Authors: Wei Fansen , Niu Ben , Zong Guangdeng , Zhao Xudong
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the bipartite consensus tracking control problem is investigated for a class of nonlinear fractional-order multi-agent systems (FOMASs) with unknown dynamics, actuator faults, and input nonlinearities. Based on the adaptive backstepping technique, an adaptive bipartite consensus tracking control framework is constructed for FOMASs, where both cooperative and competitive relationships among agents are implemented. Furthermore, a fault compensation mechanism is proposed to relax the restriction on the number of actuators that can fail, and to allow the existence of different types of input nonlinearities for each actuator. In addition, an improved adaptive selftriggered control mechanism that can be dynamically adjusted depending on the bipartite consensus error is extended to FOMASs to save network resources and enhance system performance. Then, by means of the fractional-order Lyapunov stability criterion, it is theoretically proved that the proposed control scheme ensures that all signals of the closed-loop systems are bounded and drives the bipartite consensus error into a desired neighborhood of the origin. Finally, simulation results are provided to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Diversity of endophytic bacteria with antimicrobial potential isolated from marine macroalgae from Yacila and Cangrejos beaches, Piura-Peru
Authors: Portalatino Edwin Jorge Vega , Cuentas Miriam Marleni Rosales , Angeles Carmen Tamariz , Gonzales Percy Olivera , Espinoza Luis Alfredo Espinoza , Quispe Luz Arelis Moreno , Zevallos Jube Ciro Portalatino
Published: May 2024

Endophytic bacteria from marine macroalgae (EBMM) have aroused interest for their antimicrobial activity, becoming a new source of bioactive compounds for the control of pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and fungi. EBMMs were isolated from Caulerpa sp., Ulva sp., Ahnfeltiopsis sp. and Chondracantus chamissoi collected from Yacila and Cangrejo beach (Piura, Peru). Antimicrobial assays against pathogenic bacteria were evaluated by the cross method, over plate test (OpT) and volatile organic compound test (VOCt). Bacteria with the best antibacterial potential were molecularly characterized, evaluated for antifungal activity and the presence of Iturin, Fengycin and Surfactin genes. Forty-six EBMM were isolated, most of them from the phylum Rhodophyta group and coming from Yacila. In the crossmatch evaluation, 10 EBMMs were found to inhibit gram-positive pathogenic bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and 12 gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteric sv typhimurium). These activities were confirmed by OpT and VOCt. The selected strains were identified as 4 Bacillus sp., 2 Kluyvera ascorbata, 1 Pantoea agglomerans, 1 Leclercia adecarboxylata and 1 Enterobacter sp. The strains, P. agglomerans YAFL6, Enterobacter sp. YAFL1, Bacillus sp. YCFR6 and Bacillus sp. YUFE8 showed high antifungal activity on Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Colletotrichium sp., Fusarium sp., Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria sp. In addition, K. ascorbata YAFE21 and Bacillus sp. YCFE4 showed the presence of Iturin and Fengycin genes. The results obtained show the potential of the selected marine bacteria for future applications in the production of antibacterial metabolites and antifungal control.
Trans articular cartilage retrograde intramedullary pinning surgery for humeral transcondylar fractures effective for postoperative elbow joint contracture prevention
Authors: Taguchi Hiroyuki , Moriya Kozo
Published: May 2024

As a treatment for humeral transcondylar fractures, conservative therapy is prone to pseudoarthroplas. Various surgeries are performed, but plate fixation is highly invasive to soft tissues and prone to contractures of the elbow joint, while percutaneous pinning is weak in fixation and tends to damage the ulnar nerve.
Our "trans articular cartilage retrograde intramedullary pinning surgery" is an excellent surgical method that is less invasive to soft tissues, has accurate reduction, has strong fixation, and does not damage the ulnar nerve.
As a result, reliable bone fusion and a range of motion of the elbow joint that is effective in daily life can be realized.
Where Does the Heme Go? Unraveling Heme and Porphyrin Metabolism in Healthy and Oncogenic Human Livers
Authors: Adapa Swamy , meshram Pravin , Sami Abudas , Jiang Rays
Published: May 2024

The liver, a pivotal organ in human metabolism, serves as a primary site for heme biosynthesis, critical for detoxification and drug metabolism. Maintaining precise control over heme production is paramount in healthy livers to meet high metabolic demands while averting potential toxicity from intermediate metabolites, notably protoporphyrin IX. Intriguingly, our recent research uncovers a disrupted heme biosynthesis process termed 'Porphyrin Overdrive' in cancers, fostering the accumulation of heme intermediates, potentially bolstering tumor survival. Here, we investigate heme and porphyrin metabolism in both healthy and oncogenic human livers, utilizing primary human liver transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). Our investigations unveil robust gene expression patterns in heme biosynthesis in healthy livers, supporting electron transport chain (ETC) and cytochrome P450 function, devoid of intermediate accumulation. Conversely, liver cancers exhibit impaired heme biosynthesis and massive downregulation of cytochrome P450 expression. Notably, despite diminished drug metabolism, heme supply to the ETC remains largely unaltered or even elevated with cancer progression, suggesting a metabolic priority shift. Liver cancers selectively accumulate intermediates, absent in normal tissues, implicating their role in disease advancement as inferred by expression. Furthermore, our findings establish a link between diminished drug metabolism, augmented ETC function, porphyrin accumulation, and inferior overall survival in aggressive cancers, indicating potential targets for clinical therapy development.
Integrated positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) and x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging of flow phenomena in twisted tape swirl flow
Authors: Wiggins Cody S. , Cabral Arturo , Mafi Adam , Houston Jerel , Carasik Lane B.
Published: May 2024

A combined positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) and x-ray computed tomography (CT) technique is presented, and its utility is demonstrated through investigation of flow in a pipe with twisted tape swirl insert with varying flow conditions (diameter-based Reynolds numbers 16,300 to 63,300). A description of this technique is given, as well as data handling practices used to relate geometric information captured by CT to fluid flow data gathered via PEPT. It is found that the CT component is readily capable of capturing the stainless steel insert geometry in this present system, but the use of combined plastic and metal materials leads to artifacts in imaging of the plastic surface. Nonetheless, CT data are related to PEPT flow measurements, and average velocity fields are calculated via a pseudo-framing and interpolation scheme and used to visualize and interrogate key flow phenomena within the system. Radial velocity profiles of the mean flow characteristics are seen to collapse to a nearly common form across all flow conditions considered. Helical vortices are seen propagating through the flow field, generated by bypass flow around the gap between the insert and pipe wall, with additional coherent secondary flow structures seen in the higher Reynolds number cases. These findings enhance the understanding of the mixing mechanisms in these swirl flows and encourage the continued development of PEPT-CT methodologies for 3D flow measurements in optically inaccessible systems.
Nutritional Status of Children in Bangladesh : Changes and Challenges for Development
Authors: Ali Md Idris
Published: May 2024

Bangladesh have made a remarkable change of nutritional status of children over the decade despite of poverty. Stunting, underweight and wasting in children under age five years were gradually reduced from 1990s to 2020s and improved children health status over the year. This paper explains the trends of nutritional status of children in Bangladesh over the decades by different age groups of children, causes of changing nutrition status, and future challenges for development in Bangladesh. The national level survey (BDHS), national plan and policy paper, and existing literature are used for the study. Changing nutritional status of children aged under five years from high level stunting, underweight and wasting to gradual improved is remarkable for Bangladesh. Aged between 12-23 months children are more vulnerable for being stunt, waste and underweight than other ages. There have a rural-urban, wealth status and mother’s education affect the nutritional status of children. Income and poverty reduction, improve water and sanitation, maternal and child health, food and dietary practice and many policies and programs are the main causes for changing nutrition level of children in Bangladesh. But there are many challenges for future development for children nutrition status in Bangladesh like child and under five mortality, child malnutrition, double burden of malnutrition, and gaps of policies and programs in Bangladesh to achieve national plan, SDGs target and achieving demographic dividend with healthy population.
Tofacitinib as a means of optimizing the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis at the outpatient stage (clinical cases)
Authors: Bashkova I. B. , Madyanov I. V.
Published: May 2024

Two clinical cases of tofacitinib use in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by a rheumatologist at the outpatient stage within the framework of the “Treatment to Target” strategy are presented. The first clinical case describes the case history of a female patient (age 48 years, RA duration 20 years), which demonstrates the difficulties in selecting pathogenetic therapy for late-stage RA. Consecutively prescribed four synthetic baseline anti-inflammatory drugs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, cyclophosphamide, leflunomide) and two genetically engineered biological drugs (infliximab, rituximab) failed to achieve remission of the disease in the patient. Decrease in disease activity was noted after connection of the third biological drug – etanercept, treatment with which had to be interrupted due to pregnancy planning. The return to the combined treatment after childbirth did not lead to repeated “success”. A positive result was achieved 12 weeks after tofacitinib at a dose of 10 mg/day, which provided a decrease in RA activity to moderate and complete withdrawal of glucocorticoids. Given the incomplete clinical effect, tofacitinib dose was increased to 20 mg/day by the outpatient rheumatologist, which resulted in achieving low RA activity persisting for 5 years. The second case demonstrates the effectiveness of tofacitinib inclusion in the RA treatment regimen as a “second-line” drug. A patient (age 46 years, RA duration 10 years) with long-term drug (methotrexate 25 mg/week) clinical and laboratory remission of RA after an upper respiratory tract infection developed an exacerbation of the disease. Despite three-component therapy with baseline anti-inflammatory drugs, the patient had persistence of high RA activity, which led to the revision of pathogenetic therapy – tofacitinib at a dose of 10 mg/day with clinical effect of the drug after 4 weeks. The achieved clinical and laboratory remission of the disease has been maintained for two years. In outpatient practice tofacitinib can be an effective tool for optimizing RA treatment.
Pharmacoinformational, gerontoinformational and chemoreactomic analysis of the molecule of citrulline malate, carnitine, sulbutiamine and meldonium to identify the molecular mechanisms of antiasthenic action
Authors: Torshin I. Yu. , Gromova O. A.
Published: May 2024

The pathophysiology of asthenia is very complex and is associated with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcopenia, bacterial and viral pathogens, micronutrient nutritional imbalances, hypothyroidism, etc. Asthenia can occur with excessive (for a given patient) physical, mental or mental stress and adaptation disorders or be iatrogenic in nature (in particular, due to taking medications that contribute to increased loss of vitamins and microelements), incl. due to unwanted drug interactions. The complex nature of the pathophysiology of asthenia necessitates the use of a differentiated approach aimed at eliminating the main cause of asthenia in a given patient. If asthenia is associated primarily with disorders of energy metabolism, then the pathophysiological treatment is the use of nutrients that support intracellular synthesis - such as citrulline, citrulline malate, the main mechanisms of action of which are supporting the urea cycle, increasing the excretion of ammonium ions, reducing the concentration lactate in the blood. The paper presents the results of a comparative pharmacoinformatic and chemoreactomic analysis of citrulline, citrulline malate (CM), carnitine, sulbutiamine and meldonium. The profile of pharmacological effects of citrulline/CM was significantly different from the profiles of other molecules. For citrulline/CM, cholinergic, antidepressant, and lipid-modifying effects have been identified and an antiasthenic effect has been suggested when used in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and for disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. Unlike other molecules, CM and carnitine do not contribute to the loss of vitamins and minerals. Inhibition of the CM serotonin 5HT3A receptor may improve vestibulation because blockers of 5-HT3 receptors concentrated in neurons of the vestibular apparatus, improves tests of balance and walking in an experiment in mice. A positive dose-dependent effect of citrulline and CM on the lifespan of a number of model organisms has been shown. Chemoreactomic analysis of molecular receptor proteins indicated new molecular mechanisms of the antiasthenic action of CM: inhibition of serotonin receptors, calcium sensor protein receptors, chemokine receptors, lipopolysaccharides (toll receptors), nociceptin, glutamate, orexin, purines and prostanoids, biosynthesis of NF-kB and TNFα.
Analysis of satisfaction of stroke patients with medical rehabilitation using multimodal correction technology
Authors: Kostenko E. V. , Pogonchenkova I. V. , Petrova L. V. , Kashezhev A. G. , Kaverina E. V. , Filippov M. S. , Kozlova K. A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. The quality of medical care is determined not only by the dynamics of functional recovery, but also depends on the patient satisfaction index, which is highly informative and should be used in in its assessment. Aim. To study and analyze the level of satisfaction of patients after ischemic stroke (IS) with the quality of MR services provided using the technology of multimodal correction of motor and cognitive disorders in the early recovery period.

Materials and methods. An anonymous survey was conducted of 186 patients with IS who underwent rehabilitation in inpatient and outpatient settings at the Moscow Research and Practice Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine named after S.I. Spasokukotsky, using a specially designed questionnaire including 20 questions, as well as an analysis of medical and social factors affecting MR satisfaction.

Results. The majority of respondents (89.8%) were generally satisfied the results of MR, while more than half (65%) plan to undergo further MR using this technology. According to respondents, the favorable result of MR is influenced by the presence of relatives next to the patient (76.0%) and in 14.0% by the presence of a nurse, the availability of special training in rehabilitation of doctors and nursing staff (38%), awareness of the impact of rehabilitation measures for their existing functional disorders (94%). Almost three quarters of respondents noted that the individual regime of the rehabilitation program has the greatest impact on the successful outcome of rehabilitation (72.0%). At the same time, two thirds of specialists consider an important aspect to be the comprehensive work of all specialists engaged in MR (64.0%). The medical staff was highly appreciated by 44.1%, 34.9% and 21.0% highly. 36% of patients are highly satisfied with the results of MR, 42% are quite satisfied, and 16% of respondents gave an assessment of “average, normal”. Among the main reasons for dissatisfaction with MR are remoteness of residence from a medical organization, absence of relatives during the course of MR, the long duration of the MR course, lack of awareness information about the impact of multimodal correction technology on the restoration of impaired functions.

Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the overall patient satisfaction with the medical care provided by MR for stroke patients, using the technology of multimodal correction of motor and cognitive impairments, directions for improving the quality of medical services were identified.
Patient with discogenic radiculopathy: diagnostic and treatment algorithms
Authors: Akhmedzhanova L. T. , Solokha O. A. , Nikolaev M. D.
Published: May 2024

Low back pain is one of the most common causes of seeking medical care, loss of ability to work, and is a heavy socio-economic burden for the country. In the vast majority of cases, the pain syndrome is musculoskeletal, associated with pathology of joints, muscles and ligaments and is benign in nature. Discogenic compression-ischemic radiculopathy is less common, but this pathology is associated with a wide range of issues in differential diagnosis and correct treatment tactics for patients. This article provides an overview of modern clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of discogenic radiculopathies. The diagnosis of discogenic radiculopathy is clinical. MRI of the spine is performed to exclude secondary causes of nerve root compression if treatment is ineffective. An important direction in the treatment of radiculopathy is non-drug treatment, which includes informing the patient about the benign nature of the disease, the possibility of spontaneous regression of a disc herniation, therapeutic exercises, maintaining the maximum tolerated amount of physical activity, social and professional activity Treatment of back pain is associated with an increased risk of side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which patients often use uncontrollably. The issue of safe relief of pain syndromes remains relevant. This can be achieved using a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and high-dose B vitamins. B vitamins also have a neurotrophic effect, which allows the restoration of impaired neurological functions.
An effective complex approach to the management of patients with chronic musculoskeletal low back pain and pains in other body sites
Authors: Golovacheva V. A. , Golovacheva A. A.
Published: May 2024

Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health problem globally. As life expectancy increases, the number of people with LBP will further increase in the coming decades. LBP is the leading cause of work productivity and activity impairment worldwide, therefore training of neurologists, primary care physicians, and general practitioners for timely and accurate diagnosis of LBP, as well as effective treatment of patients with LBP is an economically and socially significant challenge for medical practice. The clinical case describes the successful management of a female patient with LBP. It provides a modern, clear and effective approach to the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal LBP. The typical comorbid disorders and factors that contribute to the pain syndrome chronicity are presented. The female patient was treated using a complex approach that included disease awareness conversations, kinesiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy in the form of a 10-day nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) course. Nimesil (nimesulide) with proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain has become a drug of choice. It should be noted that nimesulide was prescribed to the patient from the first days of treatment concurrently with the beginning of a training course in kinesiology. The patient experienced a rapid pain relief while taking pharmacotherapy, which played an important role in supporting adherence to recommendations for increasing physical activity and taking training courses in kinesiology. The patient reported a significant decrease in pain on Day 10. After 1.5-month treatment, the pain regressed and she returned to her normal daily activities. The presented approach to therapy allows to provide LBP patients with a relatively fast pain relief, and the 6-month follow up period demonstrated sustainability of the therapeutic effect achieved.
SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance at two university campuses: lessons learned and insights on intervention strategies for public health guidance
Authors: Porter Alexis M. , Hart John J. , Rediske Richard R. , Szlag David C.
Published: May 2024

Wastewater surveillance has been a tool for public health officials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Universities established pandemic response committees to facilitate safe learning for students, faculty, and staff. These committees met to analyze both wastewater and clinical data to propose mitigation strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19. This paper reviews the initial efforts of utilizing campus data inclusive of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations, clinical case data from university response teams, and mitigation strategies from Grand Valley State University in West Michigan (population 21,648 students) and Oakland University in East Michigan (population 18,552 students) from November 2020 to April 2022. Wastewater positivity rates for both universities ranged from 32.8 to 46.8%. Peak viral signals for both universities directly corresponded to variant points of entry within the campus populations from 2021 to 2022. It was found that the organization of clinical case data and variability of wastewater testing data were large barriers for both universities to effectively understand disease dynamics within the university population. We review the initial efforts of onboarding wastewater surveillance and provide direction for structuring ongoing surveillance workflows and future epidemic response strategies based on those that led to reduced viral signals in campus wastewater.
The banana tree circle as a nature-based solution for sustainable greywater management: A new design model
Authors: Rezende Mudadu Silva Juliano , Carraro Borges Alisson , Lüthi Christoph , Spuhler Dorothee , Fernandes Raphael Bragança Alves
Published: May 2024

The banana tree circle (BTC) is a low-cost system for local greywater management, using a natural treatment and disposal process, providing additional resource recovery benefits. However, there are no standard design criteria for BTC that would allow for quality control of its efficiency and sustainability, and little is currently known about the full-scale performance of BTC. Based on the scoping literature review of 31 documents in the scientific database and eight documents from grey literature, a standard design model was proposed for the BTC technology based on the concept of water balance, greywater flows, rain, infiltration, and evapotranspiration. The first two steps of the BTC design were determining the areas required for infiltration and evapotranspiration. A cylindrical form trench, the soil percolation rate, and the hydraulic loading rate were considered for the infiltration area. The banana trees’ evapotranspiration rate was taken into consideration for the evapotranspiration area. The proposed model was applied in a case study where we used a trench with 0.8 m depth and 1.5 m diameter. This study proposes a standard design criterion for the BTC based on environmental factors, and the scoping of the literature provides the basis for future studies to evaluate its environmental sustainability.
Migration of various ions based on pH shifts triggered by the application of sediment microbial fuel cells
Authors: Matsuki Masaya , Hirakawa Shusaku
Published: May 2024

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) represent a technology that can enhance sediment quality through processes such as nutrient suppression while simultaneously generating electricity from microorganisms. Despite its importance in elucidating the principles of nutrient suppression, the complex behavior of various ions within this context has been rarely explored. Herein, we applied an SMFC and systematically evaluated alterations in ion concentrations in interstitial and overlying waters. The SMFC deployment substantially decreased Na+ concentrations and increased Cl− levels in the interstitial water. This intriguing phenomenon was attributed to reactions driven by the electrodes. These reactions induced remarkable shifts in pH. Consequently, this pH shift triggered the leaching of heavy metals, particularly Fe, and decreased HCO3− concentrations within the interstitial water, thereby inducing the migration of other ions, including Na+ and Cl−, as compensation. Moreover, the PO43− concentration in interstitial water showed an increasing trend upon SMFC application, which contradicts the results of several previous reports. This increase was primarily attributed to the release of PO43−caused by the leaching of Fe salts, which was triggered by the pH shift. These findings provide new insights into sediment improvement research through SMFCs, enhancing our understanding of the fundamental principles and broadening the potential applications of this technology.
Investigation of impregnation fibrous stuff in pultrusion process of polymer composite materials
Authors: Kai Jian Ding
Published: May 2024

In this article the results of theoretical investigation of fibers impregnation in manufacturing high filled composite by pultrusion are represented. A criterion is maximum intention of technological process. An analytical investigation of intention depending on main physical factors is proposed.
Properties of the nucleus of an atom
Authors: Iakubovskii Evgenii Georgievich
Published: May 2024

Annotation
The properties of the atomic nucleus were studied, in particular the weight of quarks and the energy of gluons were calculated. The nuclear potential and quark mass were calculated from the kinetic energy and momentum. This is determined using integers on which the mass of quarks and the energy of gluons depend. The mass of quarks is approximately known, and a dependence on integer numbers of the quark mass is selected that is close to the experimental value. This allows us to more accurately determine the mass of quarks that satisfy the kinetic energy of the quarks and their momentum. The energy of the atomic nucleus and the energy of the atom are determined using STR formulas at imaginary speed.
Issues of Organizing External Financial Control in Municipal Entities of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Authors: Lukovtsev Ivan Dmitrievich
Published: May 2024

The article addresses issues related to the organization of external municipal financial control in municipal districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), problems concerning the organization of external municipal financial control, in particular, the analysis of legislative provisions related to the legal status and transfer of powers to the Accounts Chamber of the RS (Yakutia).