bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparative Evaluation of Hospitalized Elderly Patients with COVID-19 from the Onset of the Disease to Recovery and Death in Iran
Authors: Barati Barat , Kaydani Masoumeh , Ahmadpour Fatemeh , Kalantar Mojtaba , Birgani Fariba Farhadi
Published: June 2023

Background & Objectives: Numerous studies have shown that the risk of death is higher in elderly patients with COVID-19. In Iran, due to the growth of the elderly population and the prevalence of underlying diseases, it is necessary to pay attention to this age group of patients. In this study, clinical, radiological, PCR, and laboratory data of elderly patients with COVID-19 were collected and analyzed in two groups of recovered and dead patients.Materials & Methods: This is a retrospective study of 196 consecutive elderly patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from March 21, 2020, to April 3, 2020, and their follow-up until April 23, 2021. Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, PCR, chest CT scans and Hounsfield Unit data were collected and analyzed in two groups of recovered and dead patients. Obtained Data were analyzed using SPSSv22.0 and MATLAB-R2017 software.Results: The results showed that there were no specific symptoms to distinguish the death group from the recovery group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups for red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, MCHC and MCV levels, bilirubin, aminotransferase levels, CRP, white blood cells, serum BNU, creatinine and PT coagulation index. The concentrations of VBG (HCO3) and VBG (PCO2) in the deceased patients suggest compensated respiratory alkalosis. CT sensitivity is 100% for patients in advanced and severe stages of the disease.Conclusion: The patients in the death group had more underlying diseases than the recovered group. COVID-19 patients are more likely to die when they have both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Şanlıurfa İli Eyyubiye İlçesi Sığırcılık İşletmelerinde Sığır Besleme Alışkanlıkları ile İşletme Büyüklüğü Arasındaki İlişkiler
Authors: DOĞANAY Soner , YANAR Mete
Published: June 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Şanlıurfa ili merkez Eyyubiye ilçesinde bulunan sığırcılık işletmelerinde sığır besleme uygulamaları, bu amaçla kullanılan yemler ve yemleme yöntemleri ile işletme büyüklükleri arasındaki ilişkilerin ortaya konularak, ilgili sorunları ve çözüm önerileri belirlemektir. Bu amaçla şansa bağlı olarak seçilen 135 yetiştiriciyle anket yapılarak, frekans analiz metodu ve Ki-kare Bağımsızlık testi ile veriler analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, araştırma kapsamındaki işletmelerin %40,2'sinde yem bitkisi yetiştiriciliği yapılırken, %59,8'in de ise yapılmadığı saptanmıştır. İşletme büyüklüğü ile işletmelerin yem bitkisi üretimi yapmaları arasında önemli (P
Semax as a modulator of the psycho-emotional status of rats in an experimental model of depression based on stress
Authors: Murtalieva V. Kh. , Yasenyavskaya A. L. , Andreeva L. A. , Myasoedov N. F. , Samotrueva M. A.
Published: June 2023

In modern physiology, the priority direction is the study of the influence of various types of stress, leading, as a rule, to the development of depressive states, on the physiological systems of the body. The main methods for assessing the neuroprotective effect, which is the main component of defense against stress, include the study of behavioral reactions that reflect motor, emotional, and cognitive changes. The study of drugs based on regulatory peptides is promising. Semax (ACTH4-7PGP) is a representative of a new synthetic peptide engineering, practically devoid of a hormonal effect and completely preserving the neurotropic activity of adrenocorticotropic hormone. The aim of the work was an experimental study of the effect of semax on the behavior of animals under the influence of experimental depression based on “social” stress. Material and methods. The study was carried out on 50 outbred male rats aged 6 months. Semax effects were studied under conditions of sensory contact - a model of experimental depression based on the formation of aggressive and submissive behavior in animals, using the multicomponent model the Suok test (“ropewalking”) and the Porsolt test to assess the depressive behavior of rats. Results and its discussion. Intermale confrontations led to a decrease in the time spent in the light half of the test, the number of “exploratory” downward glances, directional head movements; a decrease in the number of visited segments in the light section in victims and aggressors. As a whole, the study of behavioral reactions in animals in the Suok test and the Porsolt test in the model of experimental depression (sensory contact) showed the formation of an anxious-depressive state in animals, which was confirmed by a decrease in the motor and exploratory activity of rats. The results were obtained during the Porsolt test, indicating the formation of a depressive state in animals, which was confirmed by an increase in the total period of immobility in both aggressors and victims, an increase in the time of passive swimming, and a decrease in the time of active swimming. With a comprehensive assessment of animal behavior indicators in the Suok test, against the background of a decrease in the level of anxiety under the influence of semax, an improvement in the parameters of exploratory behavior was observed, in the Porsolt test – of motor activity indicators. Conclusions. Investigation of semax effect on the behavioral reactions of animals under conditions of sensory contact indicates that this drug exhibits an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect, eliminating pathological changes in the psycho-emotional status of animals.
The advantages of complex anterior abdominal wall plastics with Scarpa’s fascia preservation in patients with class I–II obesity
Authors: Kozlov A. V , Anashkina A. S. , Fedorova P. A. , Kim D. A. , Kozlova T. N.
Published: June 2023

Recently, the frequency of treatment of patients with various deformities of the anterior abdominal wall has increased dramatically. Abdominoplasty is a large-scale surgical intervention that entails a number of complications, such as impaired lymphatic drainage, chronic seroma, the formation of “dog ears”, displacement of the navel from the central line. A technology of Scarpa’s fascia preservation (SFP) has been developed to prevent these complications. The aim of this work is to study the effectiveness of treating patients with correction of the tissues of the anterior abdominal wall using SFP technology in comparison with standard abdominoplasty.Material and мethods. The study involved 30 males and females aged 35 to 60 years with class I-II obesity who underwent complex plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 15 people: in the 1st group, classical abdominoplasty was performed, in the 2nd, complex plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall using SFP technology. Observation of the patients took place in the early and late postoperative periods.Results. Group 2 patients lacked both early postsurgical and chronic seromas, did not develop so-called “dog ears”, which indicates the most favorable course of the postoperative rehabilitation period and the achievement of the best aesthetic results. Also, when using the SFP technology, there were no longterm inflammatory processes, the amount of postoperative exudative fluid in the drains decreased, the pain syndrome was significantly lower, and earlier restoration of the sensitivity of the anterior abdominal wall was noted in comparison with patients who underwent classical abdominoplasty. Complex plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall using SFP technology makes it possible to reduce the intensity of pain on the first day by 1.75 times (to 4 ± 1 points, p ≤ 0.05), to speed up the removal of drains (reduce the duration of exudation) by 3 times (to 16 ± 1 h, p ≤ 0.05). According to the BODY-Q scale, in the main group, satisfaction with the aesthetic result was 2 times higher than in the comparison group.Conclusions. Complex anterior abdominal wall plastics with Scarpa’s fascia preservation has a number of significant advantages over classical abdominoplasty.
Manifestations of the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the reproductive system in the young population of Russian Federation: regional features
Authors: Yudina V. S. , Lopukhov P. D. , Kaprin A. D. , Apolikhin O. I. , Trushina O. I. , Mukhtarulina S. V. , Briko N. I.
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the organs of the reproductive system of the population aged 15 to 39 years within the Russian Federation.Material and methods. The data of specialized forms of state reporting No. 7 “Information on diseases of malignant neoplasms” and data of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation on the size and sex and age composition of the population for the period from 2011 to 2021 were used.Results. In the dynamics of changes in the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the reproductive organs of the young population of the regions of the Russian Federation for the period from 2011 to 2021, multidirectional trends are observed. The highest incidence rates are in the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts, namely in the Trans-Baikal Territory and the Magadan Region, the smallest – in the regions of the North Caucasian Federal District.Conclusions. Regional differences in incidence rates in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation were established, changes in trends were found for the age group of people from 15 to 39 years old, which may be associated with lifestyle changes, environmental factors, as well as improved detection of cancer.
Ethical Dimensions of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Some Religious Studies Point of View
Authors: Andriansyah Yuli
Published: June 2023

Researchers in the field of religious studies have been actively exploring the moral implications of the pandemic from various angles. They have investigated healthcare ethics, addressing issues such as the allocation of limited resources, vaccination prioritization, and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare workers. These scholars have drawn on religious ideas and values to inform ethical decision-making, emphasizing justice, equity, compassion, and solidarity. Moreover, they have examined the pandemic's impact on social justice, including access to healthcare, economic disparities, and racial and ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes. Additionally, scholars have examined the moral responsibilities of individuals and communities, exploring the ethics of behaviors like social distancing and mask-wearing, as well as the obligations of religious leaders and institutions. Through their research, religious studies scholars provide insights and frameworks for navigating the ethical challenges presented by the pandemic.
Boko Haram Insurgency and Socio-Economic Crisis in Borno State Nigeria
Authors: Adimula Abiola Ruth , Atowoju Ayodele Adeyinka
Published: June 2023

So much has been written about the formation and activities of the Boko Haram insurgency since its advent in 2002 as religious fundamentalism. The Islamic sect is a group of "People Committed to the propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad" opposing western education. Their operations have degenerated into armed conflict, insurgency and terrorism, causing untold devastation and economic loss to some states of the federation. However, their significance in the socio-economic crisis of Borno State has not been adequately reported. This is the lacuna filled by this paper. The study adopted both primary and secondary sources of research instruments. The study discovered that Boko Haram insurgency has crippled markets, business activities and blocked the trade routes in Borno State. About 10,000 Eastern and South western business people fled the state; international business entrepreneurs from Chad, Cameroon and Niger returned to their countries; these affected the State's economic revenue in an unimaginable way, with negative implications on the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations. The Study recommends, among other things, adequate security measures, provision of social support system and care, provision of jobs and social amenities, development of infrastructures, reconciliation among local communities, reduction of poverty, a proactive step by the Federal government on supply of adequate funding, weapons and well-equipped military personnel to put an end to the insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria.
Instrumented Versus Uninstrumented Posterolateral Fusion for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Andresen Andreas K. , Wickstrøm Line A. , Holm Randi B. , Carreon Leah Y. , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden
Published: June 2023

Background:

In Scandinavia, spinal fusion is frequently performed without instrumentation, as use of instrumentation in the elderly can be complicated by poor bone quality and the risk of screw pull-out. However, uninstrumented fusion carries the risk of nonunion. We performed a randomized controlled trial in an attempt to determine if use of instrumentation leads to better outcomes and fusion rates when spinal fusion is performed for degenerative spondylolisthesis in the elderly.

Methods:

This was a randomized, single-center, open-label trial of patients with symptomatic single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis who were assigned 1:1 to decompression and fusion with or without instrumentation after at least 12 weeks of nonoperative treatment had failed. The primary outcome was the change in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and secondary outcomes included fusion rates within 1 year, reoperation rates within 2 years, and changes in the EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D) score.

Results:

Fifty-four subjects were randomized to each of the 2 groups, which had similar preoperative demographic and surgical characteristics. We found similar improvements in the ODI (p = 0.791), back pain, leg pain, and quality of life between groups at 1 and 2 years of follow-up. Solid fusion on computed tomography (CT) scans was noted in 94% of the patients in the instrumented group and 31% in the uninstrumented group (p < 0.001). One patient (2%) in the instrumented group and 7 (13%) in the uninstrumented group (p = 0.031) had a reoperation within 2 years after the index surgery.

Conclusions:

We found no difference in patient-reported outcomes when we compared instrumented with uninstrumented fusion in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The uninstrumented group had a significantly higher rate of nonunion and reoperations at 2 years.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Cementless Versus Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hannon Charles P. , Salih Rondek , Barrack Robert L. , Nunley Ryan M.
Published: June 2023

Background:

We previously reported the 2-year results of a prospective randomized controlled trial of cementless versus cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants of the same design. The purpose of the present study was to provide concise results at intermediate-term follow-up.

Methods:

The original study included 141 TKAs (76 performed without cement and 65 performed with cement). Since then, 8 patients died and 4 withdrew. Of the remaining 129 patients, 127 (98%) were available for analysis. Survivorship analysis was performed; Oxford Knee, Knee Society, and Forgotten Joint Scores were calculated; and radiographs reviewed. Mean follow-up was 6 years.

Results:

The survivorship free of any revision was 100% in both groups. There were no differences between the groups in any patient-reported functional outcome measure (p = 0.2 to 0.5). However, a higher percentage of patients in the cementless TKA group were either extremely or very satisfied with their overall function (p = 0.01). Radiographically, there was no evidence of implant loosening in either group.

Conclusions:

At 6 years, there were no differences between cementless and cemented TKA implants of the same design in terms of survivorship, clinical, or radiographic outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Osteochondral Lesion of the Tibial Plafond Induced by Malposition of Soft Suture Anchors Used for the Deltoid Ligament Repair
Authors: Ohta Yuichi , Sugimoto Kazuya , Ueda Shuichiro , Isomoto Shinji , Miura Kimio , Hyakuda Yoshinobu , Shoji Haruka , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: June 2023

Case:

A 24-year-old elite female rugby player complained of prolonged symptoms after a surgical repair of the deltoid ligament performed 2 years previously. Ankle arthroscopy revealed an osteochondral lesion in the tibial plafond at the medial gutter, with the fibers of the soft suture anchor exposed in the joint. The anchors were removed, and the cysts were filled with autogenous cancellous bone. The patient returned to the elite-level rugby games 5 months after the operation without any symptoms.

Conclusion:

We must be aware that even soft anchors can cause arthritis if improperly positioned.
Single-Stage Correction of Genu Valgum Recurvatum by Distal Femoral and High Tibial Opening Wedge Osteotomies
Authors: Setliff Joshua C. , Engler Ian D. , Zsidai Bálint , Cong Guang-Ting , Musahl Volker
Published: June 2023

Case:

A 32-year-old woman with genu valgum recurvatum presented to clinic complaining of long-standing anterior knee pain. Radiographs demonstrated a 13° anterior tibial slope and 15° valgus malalignment. She underwent a single-stage 2-level osteotomy at the distal femur and proximal tibia to simultaneously correct genu valgum and recurvatum. This procedure achieved precise correction in both planes. At 1 year, the patient was pain-free and ambulated without restriction.

Conclusion:

This procedure should be considered among the available surgical options when treating genu valgum recurvatum because it produced excellent results for the studied patient.
Diagnosis Dilemma, Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Hip Infection Versus Acute Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Mika Aleksander , Gilbert William , Martin John Ryan , Polkowski Gregory
Published: June 2023

Case:

We report the case of acute gouty arthritis mimicking infection in a 59-year-old woman who had an extensive history of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and multiple revisions. Initial laboratory testing, examination, and recency bias suggested recurrent PJI, but aspiration revealed an acute gout attack without superimposed infection. The patient’s examination and serological markers improved off antibiotics, and she subsequently avoided an unnecessary revision surgery.

Conclusion:

Although rare, acute gouty arthritis should be considered in every patient, and complete workup should be performed, regardless of infectious or rheumatologic history.
A SAT Solver + Computer Algebra Attack on the Minimum Kochen-Specker Problem
Authors: Li Zhengyu , Bright Curtis , Ganesh Vijay
Published: June 2023

One of the foundational results in quantum mechanics is the Kochen--Specker (KS) theorem, which states that any theory whose predictions agree with quantum mechanics must be contextual, i.e., a quantum observation cannot be understood as revealing a pre-existing value. The theorem hinges on the existence of a mathematical object called a KS vector system. While many KS vector systems are known to exist, the problem of finding the minimum KS vector system has remained stubbornly open for over 55 years, despite significant attempts by leading scientists and mathematicians. In this paper, we present a new method based on a combination of a SAT solver and a computer algebra system (CAS) to address this problem. Our approach improves the lower bound on the minimum number of vectors in a KS system from 22 to 24, and is about 35,000 times more efficient compared to the previous best computational methods. The increase in efficiency derives from the fact we are able to exploit the powerful combinatorial search-with-learning capabilities of a SAT solver together with the isomorph-free exhaustive generation methods of a CAS. The quest for the minimum KS vector system is motivated by myriad applications such as simplifying experimental tests of contextuality, zero-error classical communication, dimension witnessing, and the security of certain quantum cryptographic protocols. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of a novel SAT+CAS system to a problem in the realm of quantum foundations.
Barriers and facilitators of implementing electronic monitors to improve adherence and health outcomes in tuberculosis patients: Protocol for a systematic review based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Li Wenhui , Su Min , Zhang Weile , Fan Xiaojing , Li Renzhong , Gao Yulong , Wei Xiaolin
Published: June 2023

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) has been regarded as “a relentless scourge” which considerably increases morbidity and mortality as well as bringing heavy burdens on the vulnerable populations. A novel approach to TB called “electronic monitors” seems promising as an intervention, improving adherence and health outcomes and overcoming the weaknesses of the traditional interventions. However, no review has systematically examined and synthesized the influencing factors of implementing electronic monitors. Implementation research offers the means to analyze the influencing factors of the implementation and its process, fitting well with the aim of this review. Therefore, framework-based implementation research will be adopted to systematically identify barriers and facilitators of the electronic monitors that aim to improve adherence and health outcomes in TB patients.
Methods and Analysis:
The systematic review will follow the PRISMA guidelines. Literature research will be conducted in five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) to identify the barriers and facilitators of implementing electronic monitors in TB patients. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) will be used as a guide for categorizing and synthesizing the barriers and facilitators. Study screening, data extraction, quality appraisal, and data analysis will be conducted by two independent reviewers. The use of additional reviewers will solve any disagreements between the two reviewers.
Discussion
Given the increased prominence of TB epidemiology and the adherence problem of electronic monitors, there is a solid rationale for synthesizing the existing studies via an implementation science framework (CFIR). The findings and conclusion of this review will lay bare the achievements and effectiveness of implementing electronic monitors, as well as the attendant gaps and limitations. Further strategies for facilitating the implementation of electronic monitors will also be explored. Information provided by the review will be of essential significance for research and practice, supporting future academic research initiatives centered on TB patients and aiding the design of electronic monitors in lowering the morbidity and mortality associated with TB disease.
Trial registration:
PROSPERO: CRD42023395747.
Quantifying Complex Urban Spillover Effects via Physics-based Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Tong , Fan Chao , Yabe Takahiro
Published: June 2023

Spillover effects are pervasive in a variety of natural, social, and physical environments, such as urban heat waves and human mobility dynamics. Quantifying spillover effects is crucial for understanding and predicting the complex processes that cascade through urban systems. Prior studies have relied on ad-hoc parameters and homogeneity assumptions in conventional physics of diffusion to capture spillover from immediate surroundings. These approaches, however, fall short of accounting for the spatial heterogeneity present in urban systems. Here, we introduce a novel physics-based deep learning model coupled with random diffusion, Deep Random Diffusion (DRD), that captures complex and nonlocal interactions by integrating observations from urban systems with the physics of diffusion derived from theoretical physics models. The proposed method, validated with natural and social system processes in five cities in the U.S., outperforms conventional models for all five cities. The experiments show that the spatial variances of complex natural environments and social systems are highly predictable at 60% − 86% by incorporating heterogenous spillovers. A general and consistent scale of spillover effects ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 km, is identified by the proposed model across cities, despite varying landscapes and geography. Integrating information from this scale of neighbors helps to reduce excessive reliance on individual variables in predictions, thereby preventing overestimation and underestimation at extreme values. The findings in this study not only untangle the complexity and improve the predictability of various urban phenomena but also provide transferrable new insights to inform effective solutions for adapting to urban stressors in different urban settings, such as extreme heat resulting from climate change.
Effect of the Enhancing Nutrition and Antenatal Infection Treatment (ENAT) intervention on birth weight in Ethiopia: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mekonnen Y , Wolde E , Bekele A , Mehari Z , Abebe S , Hagos T , Tadesse Y , Taye T , Asire G , Nigatu T , Kumar S , Girma S , Salasibew M
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe Enhancing Nutrition and Antenatal Infection Treatment (ENAT) intervention was implemented in Ethiopia to improve newborn birth weight by strengthening the contents and quality of antenatal care (ANC), especially point-of-care testing for maternal infections. This study examined the effect of the ENAT intervention on birth weight.MethodsWe conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial of 22 clusters (health centers), randomized equally between 11 intervention and 11 control clusters. This study enrolled and followed pregnant women from ANC booking to the end of pregnancy or loss to follow-up. The primary outcome of this study was mean birth weight, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was the secondary outcome. We presented univariate comparisons of outcomes between the intervention and control arms using cluster-adjusted t tests for mean birth weight and cluster-weighted chi-square tests for LBW. Multilevel analyses using random effects models were performed to adjust for clustering and individual-level covariates.ResultsWe enrolled and followed up 4,868 and 4,821 pregnant women in the intervention and control arms, respectively, from March 2021-July 2022. During follow-up, 3445 and 3192 pregnant women delivered in the health centers, and birth weight measurements of their babies were recorded within 48 hours. The mean birth weight was 3,152 grams (standard deviation (SD) = 339.8 grams) in the intervention and 3,044 grams (SD = 353.8 grams) in the control arms (mean difference, 108 grams; 95% confidence interval (CI): 91.3-124.6; P = 0.000). Adjusting for clustering and several covariates, the mean birth weight remained significantly higher in the intervention arm than in the control arm (adjusted ß coef., 114.3; p = 0.011). The incidence of LBW was 4.7% and 7.3% in the intervention and control arms, respectively. The adjusted risk of LBW was significantly lower by 36% in the intervention arm than in the control arm (adjusted relative risk, 0.645; p = 0.027).ConclusionThis study provided sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of the ENAT intervention in improving birth weight in the study population. The intervention demonstrated that an increase in birth weight can be attained by availing point-of-care testing and strengthening infection prevention within the ANC platform of public health facilities in a low-income setting.Trial Registration:The study was retrospectively registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR) database dated 09/05/2023. The unique identification number for the registry is PACTR202305694761480. The PACTR is the WHO recognized clinical trials registry in Africa. It can be accessed at https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25493.
Experimental and numerical investigation of compressive behaviour for SS316L bioinspired cores fabricated by powder bed fusion
Authors: Gunasegeran Muthukumaran , P Edwin Sudhagar , Barathan venugopal , Rajamohan vasudevan , Raja Haribaskar , T sampath kumar
Published: June 2023

Bio-inspired structures have been commonly used in robotics, aerospace, and bioengineering because of their extraordinary qualities. The present study investigates compressive behavior for bioinspired cores. The experimental compression behavior of the bioinspired cores is supported with numerical analysis. As bioinspired structures are complex in nature, it is difficult to fabricate with the conventional technique. powder bed fusion (PBF) is employed to overcome this difficulty. Further specific energy absorption due to the compression behavior of the bioinspired cores and residual stress induced during the manufacturing process is investigated in detail, and the best-performing bioinspired core is reported in this study.
Multivariate analyses of immune markers reveal increases in plasma EN-RAGE in first-episode psychosis patients
Authors: Korhonen Laura , Paul Elisabeth , Wåhlen Karin , Haring Liina , Vasar Eero , Vaheri Antti , Lindholm Dan
Published: June 2023

Immune cells and cytokines are largely recognized as significant factors in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. The possible role of other blood cells such as leukocytes in events of acute psychosis is in contrast only emerging. To study blood-born markers in acute psychosis we here evaluated plasma proteins inof drug-naïve first episode psychosis (FEP) patients and healthy controls using a multiplex proximity extension assay-technique. We analyzed a panel of 92 immune markers and plasma samples from 60 FEP patients and 50 controls, and evaluated the changes obtained using multivariate statistical methods followed by protein pathway analyses . Data showed that 11 proteins are significantly different between FEP patients and healthy controls We observed increases in pro-inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-6, oncostatin-M, and transforming growth factor-alpha in FEP patients compared with controls. Likewise, the EN-RAGE that regulates expression of various cytokines was also elevated in the plasma of FEP patients. The results indicate that neutrophil-derived EN-RAGE could play an important role during the early phase of acute psychosis by stimulating cytokines and the immune response targeting thereby likely also the brain vasculature.
Acoustic realization of projective mirror Chern insulators
Authors: Li Tianzi , Liu luohong , Zhang Qicheng , Qiu Chunyin
Published: June 2023

Symmetry plays a key role in classifying topological phases. Recent theory shows that in the presence of gauge fields, the algebraic structure of crystalline symmetries needs to be projectively represented, which enables unprecedented topological band physics. Here, by exploiting the concept of projective symmetry, we report an acoustic realization of mirror Chern insulators that are widely believed to be impossible in spinless systems. More specifically, we introduce a simple but universal recipe for constructing projective mirror symmetry, and conceive a minimal model for achieving the projective symmetry-enriched mirror Chern insulators. Based on our selective-excitation measurements, we demonstrate unambiguously the projective mirror eigenvalue-locked topological nature of the bulk states and associated chiral edge states. More importantly, we extract the non-abelian Berry curvature and identify the mirror Chern number directly, as conclusive experimental evidence for this exotic topological phase. All experimental results agree well with the theoretical predictions. Our findings will shine new light on the topological systems equipped with gauge fields.
Factors that influence evidence-informed meso-level regional primary health care planning: a qualitative examination and conceptual framework
Authors: Windle Alice , Javanparast Sara , Freeman Toby , Baum Fran
Published: June 2023

Background: While evidence-based clinical practice, and evidence-informed health policy-making have received much research attention, little is known about evidence-informed primary health care (PHC) planning in decentralised, meso-level regional organisations. In this paper we examine the factors that influence planning within this environment, and present a conceptual framework.
Methods: We employed a mixed methods approach: case studies of five Australian Primary Health Networks (PHNs), involving 29 primary interviews and secondary analysis of 38 prior interviews; and analysis of planning documents from all 31 PHNs. The analysis was informed by a WHO framework of evidence-informed policy-making, and institutional theory.
Results: We identified a broad range of actors and factors that influence evidence-informed PHC planning, at different levels of context: organisational/internal, regional, and national. The additional regional layer of context adds to the complexity of planning. Some distal factors influence more proximal factors, as well as directly influencing PHC planning, and some factors span the levels of context, but may be conflicting, such as ideology and values.
Conclusions: This research has identified a wide range of factors that influence evidence-informed meso-level PHC planning, acting at various levels of context. Like national health policy-making, meso-level PHC planning occurs in a complex environment, but with additional regional factors and influences. We have developed a conceptual framework of the meso-level PHC planning environment, which can be employed by similar regional organisations to elucidate influential factors and actors, and develop strategies and tools to promote transparent, evidence-informed PHC planning for better health outcomes.
Nature-Inspired Spider Web Shaped UHF RFID Reader Antenna for IoT and Healthcare Applications
Authors: Sharif Abubakar , kumar Rajesh , Arshad Kamran , Assleh Khalid , Chattha Hassan Tariq , Imran Muhammad , Abbasi Qammer hussain
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a nature-inspired spider web-shaped ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) reader antenna and battery-free sensor-based system for healthcare applications. This antenna design consists of eight concentric decagons of different sizes and five straight microstrip lines that are connected to the ground using 50 Ω resistors from both ends except one microstrip line, which is left for connecting a feeding port. The reader antenna design features fairly strong and uniform electric and magnetic field characteristics. Likewise, it also poses wideband characteristics by covering whole UHF RFID band (860 – 960 MHz) and tag reading volume of 200 × 200 × 20 mm 3. Additionally, it has low gain characteristics, which are necessary for the majority of nearfield applications to prevent the misreading of other tags. Moreover, the symmetric current distribution throughout the structure in this design addresses the orientation sensitivity issues associated with low-cost linearly polarized tag antennas. The measurement results show that the reader antenna can read medicine pills tagged using low-cost passive/battery-free RFID tags, tagged expensive jewelry, intervenes solution, and blood bags positioned in various orientations. As a result, the proposed reader antenna-based system is a strong contender for near-field RFID, healthcare, and IoT applications.
A synergistic dual-phase air electrode enables ultrahigh and durable performance of reversible proton ceramic electrochemical cells
Authors: Shao Zongping , Liu Zuoqing , Bai Yuesheng , Sun Hainan , Guan Daqin , Li Wenhuai , Huang Wei-Hsiang , Pao Chih-Wen , Hu Zhiwei , Yang Guangming , Zhu Yinlong , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2023

Reversible proton ceramic electrochemical cells (R-PCECs), as solid-state ion devices capable of efficient power generation and energy storage in the medium temperature range, are expected to transform the global pattern of over-dependence on fossil fuels. A major obstacle to their commercial application is the lack of suitable air electrodes that can function effectively and stably in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Here, we report a novel triple-conducting (e−/O2−/H+) hybrid electrode, composed of a cubic perovskite phase Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ and a hexagonal phase Ba4Sr4(Co0.8Fe0.2)4O16−δ, which may meet the stringent requirements of R-PCECs in terms of activity, conductivity, and durability as an air electrode. Specifically, the corresponding single cell achieves an exciting current density of 3.73 A cm− 2 @ 1.3 V in electrolysis mode and an ultrahigh peak power density of 1.99 W cm− 2 in fuel cell mode at 650°C. Such hybrid electrode can be facilely created through tuning the ratio of A-site to B-site element contents in (Ba0.5Sr0.5)xCo0.8Fe0.2O2+x−δ precursor. In contrast to the widely applied method of creating self-assembled hybrids by breaking through material tolerance limits, the strategy of adjusting the stoichiometric ratio of the A-site/B-site not only allows for strong interactions and correlations between hybrid phases, but also efficiently modifies the phases content. A synergistic effect between the cubic and hexagonal phases presents in the hybrid electrode, which enhances the oxygen reduction and evolution reaction activity and the protonic conductivity and suppresses the thermal expansion, making it outstanding performance in terms of both oxygen activation and durability.
Excitation functions of proton-induced nuclear reactions on natCaCO3 up to 60 MeV
Authors: Ahmed Arshiya Anees , Misiak Ryszard , Bartyzel Mirosław , Wąs Bogdan , Mietelski Jerzy W.
Published: June 2023

47Sc could be used in SPECT imaging and is also suitable for targeted therapy of small tumors. Application of 47Sc is quite promising as theranostic with its diagnostic pair 44Sc or 43Sc. The excitation functions for the production of 47Sc and accompanying impurities via proton bombardment of natural calcium carbonate (natCaCO3) targets were evaluated experimentally and compared with previous measurements and TALYS. The integral production yields of 47Sc and also 44m,46,48Sc as a main impurity were calculated. The result’s consistency with available experimental data was checked for each reaction. Target yield was derived using the measured activity of produced radionuclides.
Evaluation of Childhood Stunting Reduction Treatments in Indonesia
Authors: Pardamean Bens , Rahutomo Reza , Sudigyo Digdo , Trinugroho Joko Pebrianto , Nirwantono Rudi , Hidayat Alam Ahmad , Asadi Faisal , Elwireharja Gregorius Natanael , Ariansyah Dedy , Isnan Mahmud , Sari Ratna , Pasaribu Roma Dame Uli , Berlian Guntur , Ichwan Muhammad , Lumbanraja Sarma Nursani
Published: June 2023

Stunting poses a major issue in many developing countries, including Indonesia, with the lack of dietary intake as one of the main driving factors. Further, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is still considered high, which was recorded to be about 24.4% in 2021. Each local government tried to give local food an extra supplementation to support the fostering of stunting reduction. However, the impact of the treatment using local food from the local government needs to be elucidated. Hence, this study aims to register the children with stunting in Serdang Bedagai Regency and monitor the progression of the treatment conducted by the government. The data collection was performed using StuntingDB. A total of 483 stunted children who participated were registered in StuntingDB and were divided into three groups based on treatments or stunting reduction programs. After six months of treatment, 219 stunted children data were analyzed. The results showed that all groups of children who received stunting reduction programs grew significantly. Meanwhile, the children who were given Channa Product Supplementation (CPS) experienced greater height and weight gain, compared to their counterparts. In addition, we found no significant difference in both height and weight gains between male and female children consuming CPS. Overall, our study displayed the potential of CPS to treat stunted children.
Prognostic analysis of traumatic spinal cord injury-related factors: a case control study
Authors: He Shaojie , Zhao Zhenyu , Yu XinCheng , Kong Chang , Ma Hangzhan , Zha Dingsheng
Published: June 2023

Background
To systematically analyze the evaluation indexes of injury degree and prognostic improvement in traumatic spinal cord injury.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 133 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from January 2017 to August 2021. The clinical indicators collected include the following: patient gender, age, underlying diseases, time from trauma to operation, length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, cause of injury, whether accompanied with (or multi-segment ) spinal fracture and dislocation, combined disc herniation or not, other sites of the injury, the type of complications, spinal cord injury site, surgical methods, ASIA grade within 72 hours and 6 months after injury, whether received hyperbaric oxygen therapy or high-dose cortisol hormone therapy, mean arterial pressure 3 days after operation, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) within 72h after admission, the length of MR spinal signal change, maximum canal compression (MCC), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), and the BASIC score of spinal signal changes. The SPSS software was used to perform Student t-test, Chi-square test, and Logistic regression analysis on the above indicators to find the factors associated with injury severity and prognosis.
Results
1) The length of signal change (p < 0.001), MSCC (p < 0.05), MCC (p < 0.05) and NLR within 72h of injury (p < 0.01) were significantly different among groups with different degrees of TSCI injury. 2) MAP (p<0.01), NLR (p<0.01), and the initial degree of injury (p<0.05) showed significant differences between the groups of patients with improved and non-improved prognoses 6 months after TSCI injury.
Conclusions
The MRI signal change length, MSCC, MCC, and NLR within 72 h after injury are good indicators of the TSCI severity while MAP, NLR, and ASIA can be used to evaluate the prognosis of TSCI patients.
Visual body size estimation in adolescent anorexia nervosa: Behavioural and neurophysiological data suggest intact visual perception and biased emotional attention
Authors: Rahder Isabel , Dalhoff Anke , Roesmann Kati , Romer Georg , Junghöfer Markus , Wessing Ida , Frausto Hugo Romero
Published: June 2023

Body image disturbance is a key symptom of anorexia nervosa (AN), as AN patients typically report body dissatisfaction and overestimate their own body size. This study aimed to clarify whether this overestimation arises from deficits in visual perception. To this end, 36 adolescent restrictive-type AN patients and 42 matched healthy controls performed metric and depictive body size estimation (BSE) tasks. Magneto- and electroencephalography were measured during the size estimation of 66 computer-generated body pictures varying in size from underweight to overweight. Patients with AN versus controls showed overestimation across self-referential metric and depictive BSE tasks, but similar performance in a depictive BSE task without self-reference and similar early neurophysiological responses. Starting mid-latency (200 ms), AN patients showed relatively more neural activity in response to underweight body pictures and less neural activity in response to higher weight body pictures in distributed brain regions. A secondary comparison of AN patients with slight vs. distinct overestimation during self-referential BSE uncovered relatively stronger neural responses to body pictures corresponding to the estimated body mass index. These results suggest that body image disturbances in adolescent restrictive-type AN patients depend on self-reference and do not represent a deficit of visual perception, but rather biased emotional attention.
Optimization with artificial intelligence of the machinability of Hardox steel, which is exposed to different processes
Authors: Altuğ Mehmet , Söyler Hasan
Published: June 2023

In this study, different process types were processed on Hardox 400 steel. These processes were carried out with five different samples as heat treatment, cold forging, plasma welding, mig-mag welding and commercial sample. The aim here is to determine the changes in properties such as microstructure, microhardness and conductivity that occur in the structure of hardox 400 steel when exposed to different processes. Then, the samples affected by these changes were processed in WEDM with the box-behnken experimental design. Ra, Kerf, MRR and WWR results were analyzed in Minitab 21 program. In the continuation of the study, using these data, a prediction models were created for Ra, Kerf, MRR and WWR with DL and ELM. Anaconda program Python 3.9 version was used as a program in the optimization study. In addition, a linear regression models are presented to comparison the results. According to the results the lowest Ra values were obtained in heat-treated, cold forged, master sample, plasma welded and mig-mag welded processes, respectively. Model F value in ANOVA analysis for Ra is 86,04. Model for Ra r2 value was obtained as 0.9534. The lowest kerf values were obtained in heat-treated, cold forged, master sample, plasma welded and mig-mag welded processes, respectively. Model F value in ANOVA analysis for Kerf is 90,21. Model for Kerf r2 value was obtained as 0.9555. Contrary to Ra and Kerf, it is desirable to have high MRR values. On average, the highest MRR values were obtained in mig-mag welded, plasma welded, cold forged, master sample and heat-treated processes, respectively. Model for MRR r2 value was obtained as 0.9563. The lowest WWR values were obtained in heat-treated, cold forged, master sample, plasma welded and mig-mag welded processes, respectively. Model F value in ANOVA analysis for WWR is 92.12. Model for Kerf wwr r2 value was obtained as 0.09561. In the analysis made with artificial intelligence systems; the best test MSE value for Ra was obtained as 0.0093 in DL and the r squared value 0.9439. The best test MSE value for Kerf was obtained as 248.28 in ELM and r squared value 0.8676. The best MSE value for MRR was obtained as 0.000144 in DL and the r squared value 0.9209. The best MSE value for WWR was obtained as 0.000073 in DL and the r squared value 0.8382. As a result, it was concluded that different optimization methods can be applied according to different outputs (Ra, Kerf, MRR, WWR). It also shows that artificial intelligence-based optimization methods give successful estimation results about Ra, Kerf, MRR, WWR values. According to these results, ideal DL and ELM models have been presented for future studies.