bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valor de reposición del forraje de morera blanca para pennisetum purpureum sobre la digestibilidad de los nutrientes, el aumento de peso y el perfil sanguíneo de las ovejas
Authors: Fajemisin A.N. , Omotoso O.B.
Published: December 2024

Se llevó a cabo un estudio de sesenta y tres días en el que participaron veinte ovejas enanas de África Occidental (WAD) de 8 a 9 meses con un peso vivo promedio de 7,44 ± 0,18 kgW0,75 para evaluar la ingesta de nutrientes, el metabolismo del nitrógeno, el aumento de peso y el perfil sanguíneo de las ovejas alimentadas con Pennisetum purpureum se sustituyó con hojas de morera blanca. Las ovejas se dividieron en 5 grupos de cuatro ovejas por grupo y se asignaron a corrales individuales en un diseño completamente aleatorio. Se formularon cinco dietas: dietas A (100 % P. purpureum), B (75 % P. purpureum + 25 % hojas de morera), C (50 % P. purpureum + 50 % hojas de morera), D (25 % P. purpureum + 75 % morera) y E (100 % hojas de morera). La materia seca varió 89,03 - 90,16 % y la proteína bruta más alta (21,05 %) se obtuvo en la dieta E. La ingesta de nutrientes, el aumento de peso diario y la relación alimentación-ganancia fueron significativamente influenciados (p
Masa forrajera y valor nutritivo de los pastos nativos del altiplano central de méxico
Authors: Celis M.D. , López F. , Sainz A.P. , Estrada J.G. , Martínez C.G. , Arriaga C.M.
Published: December 2024

Los pastizales nativos son un recurso forrajero que disponen las unidades de sistemas de producción de leche en pequeña escala (SPLPE), cuyo costo es relativamente bajo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el valor nutritivo así como de biomasa de un pastizal nativo durante la época de lluvias en el altiplano central de México. El trabajo se llevó a cabo durante los meses de junio a octubre en sistemas de producción de leche en pequeña escala, en 9.02 ha. Se aplicó la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis y Mann-Whitney a los resultados de la masa de forraje (cinco periodos). Se elaboró un diseño de parcelas divididas para evaluar las variables de producción de gas in vitro, digestibilidad in vitro y energía metabolizable. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que se obtuvieron valores medios de producción de biomasa de 976.16 kg MS ha-1, contenidos de proteína cruda entre 64 y 131 g kg-1 MS; FDN 599 y 698 g kg-1 MS; FDA entre 282 y 336 g kg-1 MS. La producción potencial de gas (B) no mostró diferencias significativas con respecto a las zonas (p>0.05), pero si entre los periodos (p
Determinación de endo y ectoparásitos de cerdos criollos en las comunidades de Atapos, Palmira –Chimborazo
Authors: Benalcazar L.M. , Vimos C.F. , Mora M. , Guerrero J.S. , Toalombo P. A.
Published: December 2024

La presente investigación determinó la presencia de endo y ectoparásitos en cerdos criollos de la comunidad Atapos, provincia de Chimborazo, considerando las condiciones socio económicas de la población y el manejo sanitario. Los 30 cerdos criollos entre hembras y machos, se consideraron mediante la fórmula de poblaciones finitas; la encuesta empleó preguntas cerradas para evitar factores determinantes de confusión y error; en el análisis coproparasitario se utilizó el método de flotación, en cuanto al conteo de parásitos gastrointestinales la cámara McMaster, y para la identificación de parásitos el método de Baerman. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva: media, valores máximos y mínimos y desviación estándar. La encuesta determina que las condiciones socioeconómicas de la comunidad son bajas, su desarrollo agropecuario está detenido en prácticas etnoveterinarias por ende la crianza y producción de los cerdos criollos se desarrolla en traspatio destinado al autoconsumo y sustento del hogar. En cuanto a la presencia de parásitos gastrointestinales se observó 7 géneros como son: con mayor frecuencia Strongyloides ransomi 26,7%; seguido de Eimeria sp 20%; Necator americanus y Trichostrongylus axei 16,7%; Ascaris suum 10%; Trichuris suis 6,7% y Cryptosporidium sp 3,3%. No se encontraron parásitos pulmonares. Los parásitos externos encontrados en mayor cantidad Ctenocephalides 50%, luego de Haematopinus 46,70% y Sarcoptes 3,3%. Por lo que se recomienda implementar programas sanitarios y capacitaciones para mejorar los índices productivos que impulsen la economía de la comunidad en general.
The Ideas of David Hume (1711-1776) in the Development of Psychology and Multicultural Education
Authors: Sairah Abdul Rokhmat
Published: December 2024

Education needs a psychological approach to its process and mechanism. Contemporary psychology is rooted in philosophical thought and physiological inquiry. Psychology cannot be separated from the influence of three schools in philosophy, i.e., materialism, empiricism, and positivism. One of the empiricist thinkers who gave nuances and color in the development of psychology was David Hume (1711-1776). This article aims to reveal David Hume's thoughts, which provided motives in the development of psychology. This article is the result of research to develop a historical and philosophical theory of psychology. This research aims to investigate the background of the emergence of psychology from David Hume's thoughts. The focus of this research is to survey the influence of David Hume's empiricism on the development of psychology. The research method employed in this study is philosophical hermeneutics with synchronic and diachronic interpretations of David Hume's thoughts. As a qualitative study, the relevant data of the study was collected from various sources both primary and secondary. The primary literature used is texts on the history of psychology and David Hume’s works. The secondary sources for this research are various comments on Hume's thoughts and general psychology texts. The results of this research can be used as a reference in learning related to the history and philosophy of psychology. This article presents Hume's thoughts in the search for human nature along with the methodological principles he developed, which inspired scientists after Hume, as well as the influence of his thoughts on the progress of experimental psychology, which continues to develop, in giving a pattern to contemporary psychology
Os não-linguistas e a mobilização de práticas emancipatórias nas discursividades contemporâneas
Authors: Falconi Livia , Menossi Ligia
Published: December 2024

A Linguística Popular, campo de estudos da linguagem já bem constituído no contexto estadunidense, a partir dos trabalhos de Niedzielski e Preston (1999 e 2003) e no francês, a partir dos trabalhos de Paveau (2008 e 2019), começa a produzir os seus primeiros resultados no Brasil com os trabalhos de Baronas e seu grupo. Segundo Baronas (2021), a Linguística Popular/Folk Linguistics designa as práticas linguísticas espontaneamente construídas pelos mais diversos sujeitos, que não estão necessariamente fundamentados em uma lógica de uma teoria da linguagem. Compreendemos, na esteira de Marie-Anne Paveau (2018), que as abordagens científica e popular são anti-eliminativas, assim a Linguística Popular não se coloca em oposição à Linguística Acadêmica. Esse campo de estudos, a partir do viés francês, se debruça, reflexivamente, sobre as práticas linguísticas dos não-linguistas, isto é, busca entender o funcionamento de práticas categorizadas como descritivas, prescritivas, intervencionistas e emancipatórias de sujeitos que não têm formação em Linguística, mas mesmo assim, produzem saberes sobre a própria língua e a língua dos outros. Neste trabalho, procuraremos levantar um conjunto de práticas linguistas emancipatórias, nas quais predominam a questão ética em detrimento da estética, que circulam no ambiente digital, buscando compreendê-las de modo a empreender uma tipologia específica para tais práticas em virtude do corpus de análise selecionado, denominadas como práticas originárias. Ainda, à luz de um diálogo teórico-metodológico entre a Linguística Popular e a Análise de Discurso na sua vertente francesa, procuraremos entender até que ponto tais práticas emancipatórias influenciam nas práticas discursivas de outros sujeitos, já que temos diversas discussões ou, até mesmo, indicações de utilização ou não utilização de determinado léxico por não-linguistas. Em última instância, é essa nossa questão de fundo, verificar em que medida, para além do politicamente correto, as ditas práticas emancipatórias produzem reconfigurações linguísticas nas falas das pessoas.
A anáfora de 3ª pessoa em esfera escolar: clítico acusativo, pronome pleno, nulo e NPs plenos
Authors: Pires Lilian Coelho , Salles Heloísa Lima
Published: December 2024

O estudo investiga o uso da anáfora pronominal de 3ª pessoa na aquisição da língua escrita por estudantes do Ensino Fundamental, Médio e Superior, em perspectiva comparada e transversal. A análise parte dos resultados do estudo experimental de Pires (2015), que examinou a ocorrência de clíticos acusativos de 3ª pessoa, e variantes (pronome forte, nulo e SN pleno), tendo como referência a hipótese do desenvolvimento da escrita como um tipo de segunda língua (L2), nos termos de Kato (2005, 2011), com acesso à GU, conforme White (2003). As sentenças escritas foram obtidas pela técnica experimental denominada produção eliciada e semiestruturada (Thornton, 1988), com foco em textos formais narrativo-descritivos e adotando perspectiva transversal. O estudo avança no sentido de demonstrar a transferência das propriedades do português oral (L1), no estágio inicial da aquisição da escrita-padrão do PB (L2) por estudantes do ensino fundamental, por um lado, além da ocorrência do clítico em contextos sintáticos não disponíveis, seja no input do português escrito (língua alvo), seja no português oral (L1), por outro.
Modelo de corrida armamentista via sistema p-Fuzzy
Authors: Brito Marcelo Teles da Silva , Simões Francielle Santo Pedro
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo apresenta uma adaptação do modelo de corrida armamentista desenvolvido por Richardson, que é baseado em um sistema de equações diferenciais, via teoria dos conjuntos e lógica fuzzy. Para tanto implementamos um sistema de inferência fuzzy aliado com métodos numéricos tradicionais com o objetivo de solucionar as equações diferenciais propostas por Richardson quando o campo de direções é apenas parcialmente conhecido. Essa metodologia permite que o especialista possa entender e modificar modelos matemáticos complexos de forma intuitiva sem perder o rigor matemático.
Os caminhos das raízes da função quadrática II
Authors: Yamaoka Luís Cláudio
Published: December 2024

Em Yamaoka (2023) fixamos dois coeficientes reais e variamos o coeficiente real remanescente da função quadrática para obter os caminhos descritos pelas duas raízes da função no plano $\C$. Neste artigo, usamos a inversa $\Phi$ da projeção estereográfica para levar os caminhos de ambas as raízes para a esfera $\mathbb{S}^2 \subset \R^3$: exceto no subcaso no qual os caminhos das imagens por $\Phi$ das duas raízes estão restritos ao pólo sul $S$ de $\mathbb{S}^2$, em cada um dos demais subcasos os caminhos das imagens por $\Phi$ de ambas as raízes repousam sobre uma ou duas circunferências em $\mathbb{S}^2$. Quando o coeficiente variável tende a $-\infty$ e a $+\infty$, observamos as relações que têm as duas raízes, via $\Phi$, com os pólos norte $N$ e/ou sul $S$ de $\mathbb{S}^2$. Seja $G_j \subset \mathbb{S}^2$ o conjunto dos pontos do caminho da imagem por $\Phi$ da raiz $j$ em $\mathbb{S}^2$, $j=1,2$. Determinamos os pontos aderentes comuns a $G_1$ e a $G_2$. Usamos o Cálculo Diferencial, a Geometria Analítica com tratamento vetorial, a inversa da projeção estereográfica e a distância entre dois conjuntos.}
Microfluidic Constant Composition Expansion for Black Oils and Retrograde Gas Condensates
Authors: Ahitan Sourabh , Abedini Ali , Genereux Josh , Latorre Taylor , Ratulowski John , Li Zhidong , Wanat Edward C. , Alboudwarej Hussein , Burger Jon , Ungar Frode , Yang Tao
Published: December 2024

Building a robust pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) model critically relies on accurate phase behavior data, traditionally obtained using PVT cells. While the PVT cell can provide accurate data, it requires a large volume of downhole or recombined samples, which are usually expensive to collect or time-consuming to create. A novel microfluidic chip design and method are presented in this work to rapidly measure saturation pressure, relative volume, and liquid volume percentages of black oils and retrograde gas condensates (RGCs). The chip was initially charged with the single-phase sample at a given temperature, and the saturation pressure, relative volume, and liquid volume percentages were quantified at prescribed pressure steps. The waiting time at each pressure step was adjusted to ensure that the equilibrium condition is achieved. The measurements were conducted for various oil and RGC samples with a wide range of API gravity. The high-resolution optical access along with an in-house-developed automated image analysis algorithm was used to detect the saturation pressures and quantify the phase volumes. The saturation pressures, relative volumes, and liquid volume percentages measured by microfluidics were compared with those obtained from conventional constant composition expansion (CCE) method, showing a strong agreement between the data (i.e., within less than 5% deviation). The microfluidic platform developed in this work can be an alternative approach to some of the conventional PVT tests with an order of magnitude higher laboratory throughput but similar accuracy. This makes PVT data accessible by reducing cost and sample size, and potentially moves the energy industry to a data-on-demand model. With a much smaller physical size inherent to microfluidic devices, this platform can be deployed to operation sites, alleviating the logistical challenges associated with sample handling and shipment that the industry currently struggles with.
Extending fatigue life of weld roots in fillet-welded cover plates by installing tap bolt joints
Authors: NIWA Yuichiro , TATEISHI Kazuo , HANJI Takeshi , SHIMIZU Masaru
Published: December 2024

This study developed a tap bolt joint method with tap holes in both plates as a preventive maintenance method against weld root failure in fillet-welded cover plates. The method aims to reduce the relative displacement between two plates, which is the cause of weld root crack. To evaluate the fatigue strength of the joint and the relative displacement of the plates, fatigue tests and finite element analysis were conducted to examine the fundamental characteristics of tap bolt joints. The results showed that the fatigue strength of the tap bolt joint was distributed around the JSSC-E class under cyclic tensile axial loads, the JSSC-A class under cyclic compressive axial loads, and was significantly higher than the JSSC-S class under cyclic shear loads. Furthermore, tap bolt joints were installed in fillet-welded sole plates in plate girders, and their effectiveness was examined through fatigue tests and finite element analysis. The results showed that the tap bolt joint method can extend the fatigue life of the weld root of a sole plate.
Direct analysis of hepatic stellate cells with flow cytometry in specimens derived from the human liver
Authors: Bando Toshiaki , Morita Hajime , Zreka Lynn , Ma Shuhe , Khan Mouna , Akuzawa Daichi , Masuo Yuki , Uno Shunsuke , Sato Hirotaka , Matsuyama Joey , Nishida Ryo , Okumura Shinya , Hatano Etsuro , Ito Takashi , Ueno Hideki
Published: December 2024

Background & Aims: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in liver fibrosis. However, the methodology to directly assess the biology of primary HSCs in human liver specimens is yet to be established. In this study, we aimed to establish a robust methodology to analyze primary HSCs in human liver specimens with flow cytometry (FCM).
Methods: We first applied FCM to HSCs directly isolated from liver tissues with Nycodenz density gradients. Then, we analyzed HSCs in frozen/thawed liver perfusate samples and liver tissues. We also compared the phenotype of HSCs in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and those in healthy counterparts.
Results: We found that HSCs were substantially smaller and less dense than normal lymphocytes in the FCM analysis. By carefully defining the FCM gating strategy, we were able to establish the approach to analyze both quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) and activated HSCs (aHSCs) in human liver specimens. Importantly, we found that co-expression of CD14 and CD56 within CD45neg non-immune cells permits the detection of qHSCs, whereas CD68 and CD40 within CD45neg non-immune cells were valuable for assessing aHSCs. Furthermore, we found that aHSCs in PBC upregulated the expression of multiple markers associated with antigen-presentation capacity.
Conclusion: Our established approach with FCM will be valuable for the direct analysis of qHSCs and aHSCs with FCM in various human liver specimens. Our FCM analysis of aHSCs in PBC suggested their involvement in the local immune responses.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Suitable Habitats of Three Wild Peonies in Mountain-Plain Intersection Zone of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Guo Haotian , He Yuyang , Ye Peixia , Xia Jihui , Jin Shanshan , Zhou Mengli , Yan Dongfeng
Published: December 2024

Climate change has caused habitat fragmentation and niche shifts in ecosystems, affecting reproduction patterns. Wild peonies, key to peony breeding, offer insights into climate adaptation for conservation and sustainable use. This study uses the Biomod2 ensemble model to predict habitats for Paeonia jishanensis, Paeonia ostii, and Paeonia rockii in Mountain-Plain Intersection Zone of the Yellow River Basin, and pinpoints key environmental variables. The results indicate that precipitation is the primary environmental variable affecting the distribution of the three wild peonies. During the baseline period, peony conservation areas are concentrated in the Funiu and Xiong'er Mountains of the Yi-Luo River Basin. Future climate scenarios predict an expansion of these areas, with the SSP370 scenario showing the most significant increase. This suggests that mild warming may benefit peony distribution, with Xiaoqinling becoming a crucial new conservation area. Climate change may shift conservation areas northward, although within a limited range. Furthermore, protected areas during the baseline period cover only 23.2% of the key conservation areas, with the rate of conservation gaps ranging from 44.4–87.5% under various climate scenarios, and these gaps are largely concentrated in the southern part of the Yi-Luo River Basin. This research provides a robust scientific foundation for the development of conservation strategies and the sustainable utilization of wild peonies resources in Mountain-Plain Intersection Zone of the Yellow River Basin.
Phenotypic drug resistance and genetic mutations linked to resistance among extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Mollalign Hilina , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Beyene Dereje , Melaku Kalkidan , Ayele Abaysew , Chala Dawit , Diriba Getu , Yenew Bazezew , Getahun Muluwork , Adnew Bethlehem , Moga Shewki , Collins Jeffrey Michael , Ghodousi Arash , Bobosha Kidist , Wassie Liya
Published: December 2024

Globally, drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is responsible for 13% of mortality attributable to antimicrobial resistance. In Ethiopia, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant public health challenge, and drug resistance (DR) in EPTB is often overlooked. In a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2022 and October 2023, we aimed to explore the magnitude of phenotypic drug resistance and identify genetic mutations linked to resistance using 189 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates cultured from extrapulmonary clinical specimens. Additionally, we assessed the agreement of the phenotypic and whole genome sequencing (WGS) based genotypic drug resistance detection. We performed phenotypic drug sensitivity testing (pDST) using liquid culture BD BACTECTM MGITTM 960 system and WGS using Illumina NextSeq500/550. The genomic data analysis pipelines MTBSeq and TBProfiler were used to predict drug resistance-conferring mutations. The agreement between the pDST and WGS was analyzed using SPSS version 29.0 software. Our result demonstrated phenotypic resistance to at least one anti-TB drug was detected in 16.9% (32/189) of the study participants. Isoniazid-resistant rifampicin-susceptible-TB (Hr-TB) and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) phenotypes accounted for 2.6% (5/189) and 4.2% (8/189) respectively. Prevalence of MDR-TB was 2.4% (4/170) among newly diagnosed and 21.1% (4/19) among previously treated cases. WGS identified more (14/160, 8.75%) rifampicin-resistant genotypes (RR-TB) compared to pDST (8/189, 4.2%). We have identified a putative compensatory mutation for rifampicin (rpoBSer450Leu, rpoCAsp747Ala) for the first time from an EPTB clinical specimen in Ethiopia. Overall, there was a 3.75% rifampicin mono-resistant-TB(RMR-TB) genotype, which remains undetected using the conventional pDST and represented 42.9% (6/14) of the identified RR-TB genotypes. Mutations conferring rifampicin resistance-interim (rpoB.Ser450Ala) represented the majority (83.3%) of RMR-TB. Changes in ethA genes associated with ethionamide resistance were the most common resistance (n=7, 87.5%) in MDR-TB cases. There was a strong agreement between the pDST and WGS-TB Profiler pipeline to detect RR-TB (kappa=0.8) compared to the MTBSeq pipeline (k=0.58). In conclusion, MDR-TB, Hr-TB, and interim-RMR-TB are equally important public health challenges in the realm of EPTB in Ethiopia. The role of WGS is tremendous in detecting borderline/interim RMR-TB, which will help for tailored, personalized treatment strategies.
Association between serum Klotho concentrations and asthma in middle-aged and older Americans: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yunzhe , Li Junyi , Zhou Xixi , Zhu Hongquan , Zou Kang , Wang Jie
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2016, ultimately including 12,442 participants to explore the association between serum Klotho levels and asthma prevalence. IBL ELISA method, while asthma diagnosis relied on participant responses from NHANES questionnaires. A weighted multifactorial logistic regression analysis evaluated the relationship, and a smoothing curve assessed potential nonlinearity .After adjusting for confounding variables, a significant inverse association was found between serum Klotho concentrations and asthma incidence. Specifically, each unit increase in log-transformed Klotho reduced asthma risk by 48% (OR:0.52;95% CI:0.38–0.69). The analysis also revealed that participants in the lowest Klotho quartile had a higher prevalence of asthma compared to those in the highest quartile (OR:0.58;95% CI:0.45–0.76).Subgroup analyses indicated interactions related to drinking status and a history of cardiovascular disease. Notably, the smoothing curve did not identify a non-linear relationship. These findings suggest that lower serum Klotho levels are significantly associated with higher asthma prevalence in middle-aged and elderly Americans, highlighting the need for further cohort studies to clarify the causal relationship between these variables.
Healthcare practitioners and robotic-assisted rehabilitation: understanding needs and barriers
Authors: Nicora Giovanna , Parimbelli Enea , Mauro Maria Cristina , Falchini Francesca , Germanotta Marco , Fasano Alessio , Sgandurra Giuseppina , Beani Elena , Gruppioni Emanuele , Bugané Francesca , Aprile Irene Giovanna , Quaglini Silvana
Published: December 2024

Backgrounds
. In recent years, numerous robotic devices, together with allied technologies, have been developed to support rehabilitation, both in research settings and industry. Although robotic-assisted rehabilitation and related technologies hold significant promise for supporting healthcare practitioners and enhancing patient care, their use in clinical practice remains limited. One of the motivations could be that final users’ needs have not been given due consideration so far. As a matter of fact, understanding user needs and perceptions is crucial for designing these technological devices and for creating new organizational models within hospitals aiming to establish and maintain robotics-assisted rehabilitation gyms.
Methods
. We developed and distributed an online survey to the Italian community of healthcare practitioners working in rehabilitation, to depict the current landscape of robotic-assisted rehabilitation and to understand their opinions and demands across various domains and diseases. The questionnaire is divided into two main parts. The first section pertains to the respondents' demographics and professional experience. The second part includes questions about eight different categories of rehabilitative devices. For each category, practitioners can indicate whether they use a device in their practice, their perceptions, and any perceived barriers. Additionally, they can fill out a System Usability Scale for a specific device in that category.
Results
. We collected answers from 423 Italian rehabilitation professionals, including various clinical roles, that revealed significant insights into the use of robotics in rehabilitation.
Conclusions
. Despite a general positivity towards technology, there is a substantial lack of awareness about rehabilitation devices among professionals. The survey highlights the need for enhanced training and education on robotics in rehabilitation programs. Gender distribution shows a high prevalence of female professionals. Additionally, the limited focus on home rehabilitation is noted. The study emphasizes the importance of verifying both the effectiveness and economic sustainability of robotic devices in clinical practice.
Promoting Oral Health in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Teledentistry and Social Media Messaging Intervention
Authors: Chanintonsongkhla Chawalit , Srisilapa Patcharawan , Nanekrungsan Kamonporn , Jaihong Maturin , Kheawseema Paphaon
Published: December 2024

Background
Teledentistry, which uses social media platforms, has the potential to improve oral health awareness and increase access to dental services in remote areas. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a teledentistry-based oral health promotion program on changes in toothbrushing behaviour and oral health status among children with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
Methods
A pre-post intervention study was conducted from October to December 2023, involved 32 children aged 6—14 years and their guardians. The teledentistry-based program included two components: an onsite oral health education session with entertainment activities and toothbrushing with plaque-disclosing tablets and a social network group for guardians to share close-up photographs of their children's teeth marked with plaque-disclosing tablets on a weekly basis. Data collection included weeks of participation, clinical parameters such as plaque and gingival indices, and self-reported brushing behaviour assessed through questionnaires.
Results
A total of 27 participants (84%) participated in a follow-up assessment: 11 (34%) actively engaged in the group chat for four to seven weeks, 9 (28%) participated for one to three weeks, and 7 (22%) did not engage in the activities. Self-reported improvements included increased brushing duration (p < 0.001), improved brushing technique (p = 0.003) and a more positive attitude toward oral care (p < 0.001). Significant reductions were observed in both the gingival and plaque indices (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between participation level and either clinical parameters or brushing behaviour outcomes.
Conclusion
A teledentistry-based program improves oral hygiene in children with CLP and has the potential to increase the accessibility of dental care.
Analgesia Nociception Index to detect interindividual variability in the sensory effect of paravertebral block for radical mastectomy
Authors: Raft Julien , Lamotte Anne-Sophie , Schohn Cécile Huin , Fritz Caroline , Richebé Philippe
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Single paravertebral block (PVB) injection is widely used for major breast surgery, but its effectiveness can be unpredictable. This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative variations of the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) could evaluate effectiveness of PVB.
Methods
Conducted at the Cancer Center (Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, France), this prospective observational study included 100 women undergoing radical mastectomy. PVB was performed under ultrasound guidance in a preoperative regional anesthesia room. Sensory level of efficacy was assessed using an ice cube test. ANI was measured before and one minute after the surgical skin dissection. Statistical analyses compared ANI changes among effective, incomplete, and ineffective PVB groups.
Results
Ninety-three patients were analyzed. Effective PVB was observed in 75% and incomplete in 25%. No ineffective block was observed. The mean ANI variation was significantly higher in the effective group (+ 1.4 (10.3) compared to the incomplete group (-11.0 (7.1), p < 10− 4). Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was higher in the incomplete group (0.072 µg/kg/min vs. 0.054 µg/kg/min, p < 10− 4). Pain score and morphine consumption were significantly higher for patients with incomplete PVB.
Conclusion
Early ANI variations after skin dissection were in agreement with PVB effectiveness for radical mastectomy. Monitoring ANI may enhance perioperative analgesia management, allowing adjustments to improve patient pain and optimize opioid consumption.
Analysis of the performance of a horizontal axis wind turbine in an inhabited environment
Authors: ABDO M. M.M. , Elsabbagh Adel , Hamed A.M.
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the performance and feasibility of deploying a 5-kW horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) in an urban setting, specifically on the rooftop of a high-rise building at Ain Shams University. Given the complex and turbulent wind patterns in urban areas, this research assesses key parameters including power output, wind velocity, and directionality, with a focus on optimizing turbine efficiency under variable wind conditions. The turbine’s performance was experimentally monitored, and power output was correlated with wind speed to derive an urban-specific power curve. Results indicate that the turbine operates optimally within a moderate wind speed range, with peak efficiency achieved around 6 m/s. Additional considerations, such as structural support, yaw control, and monitoring systems, were integrated to enhance the turbine's adaptation to the urban aerodynamic environment. This paper contributes valuable insights for the effective design and implementation of small-scale wind energy systems within urban microgrids, promoting sustainable energy generation in densely populated areas.
Outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Al-Rebat Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan
Authors: Satti Amal , Mohager Mazin O , Al-Hassan Leena , Yousif Muna , Osman Einas A.
Published: December 2024

Background Burkholderia cepacia is a common contaminant of medical devices with the ability to persist in moist settings and resist disinfectants. It is an important opportunistic human pathogen, particularly in vulnerable patients such as those with chronic diseases and neonates. Accurate identification of B. cepacia complex (Bcc) is questionable by conventional phenotypic and biochemical methods, thereby leading to misdiagnosis of infections and serious clinical ramifications. Inadequate surveillance and identification methods are highly problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to limited infrastructure. We hereby describe the characterization of nosocomial Bcc outbreak involving neonates and environmental samples in a large tertiary referral hospital in Khartoum, Sudan.Case presentation: An outbreak of an uncharacterized Gram-negative bacteria was detected in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Al Ribat Teaching Hospital in Khartoum. Conventional phenotypic and biochemical methods used in routine microbiological surveillance was unable to identify the causative organism, although it displays similarities to Pseudomonas spp. A total of 72 isolates (n = 53 from septic neonates and n = 17 environmental sources) were collected from the November 2019-April 2021. 16s-23s rRNA sequencing was used for identification, followed by speciation by PCR for Bcc specific genes, and the source of outbreak was confirmed to be a common water source which was used for the ventilators, humidifier, and intravenous solutions. Upon identification of the organism and the source, infection prevention and control (IPC) was performed to clear the organism, and the outbreak was contained.Discussion Bcc are opportunistic human pathogens that are difficult to characterize by conventional methods.. In this case report, we highlight the importance of using molecular detection methods for rapid and accurate outbreak characterization. We recognize the difficulty in routine implementation of molecular identification in resource-limited settings such as Sudan, which consequently requires increased capacity strengthening and support, yet highlight the importance of employing advanced diagnostic tools in managing outbreaks in high-risk settings to achieve optimum IPC measures.
Advanced Machine Learning Evaluation for Predicting Bubble and Slug Length and Assessing Flow Stability in L and T-type Taylor Flow Channels
Authors: akyavaşoğlu özge , ERKOÇ Ertuğrul , Ramamonjisoa Bon A.A
Published: December 2024

Bubble and slug length are prominent features that define Taylor flow. A classical parametric model based on continuity equation, mass transfer, and dimensionless numbers provides validation in limited conditions. This study, with its focus on searching for proper bubble and slug length models for all conditions based on machine learning. Bubble and slug lengths were provided by image processing of syn gas-gas oil flow visualization in L and T channels. As bubble and slug length stability and flow homogeneity were evaluated from this visualization, a new model based on machine learning regression was suggested according to prediction performance. The new models were flexible and non-parametric, Gaussian Process Regression. The suggested models were matching with taylor flow nature. This study allows bubble and slug length expression with a nonparametric model and provides bubble and slug length prediction machine learning for new technologies.
Site Characterization of Balikesir-Northwest of Turkey: Case Study of Bandirma and Erdek Districts
Authors: Erdönmez Hatice Kübra , Gök Elçin , Erzin Yusuf
Published: December 2024

This study aims to conduct comprehensive site characterization in the Turkish regions of Balıkesir, particularly in the Bandırma and Erdek areas. Microtremor measurements were conducted at predetermined locations in the study area. The research analyzed earthquake dominant periods and amplification values obtained from the seismometers and microtremor measurements. Seismic microzonation maps were created using ArcGIS-integrated parameters such as dominant period, amplification, Vs 30 velocities, and soil classification types following NEHRP (2020) guidelines. These maps assessed the coherence among soil amplification, dominant period values, and depth estimations. Soil amplification and dominant period values were determined to range from 0.4 to 8.22 and 0.065 to 2.1 Hz, respectively, in the Bandırma district study areas. In the Erdek district study areas, soil amplification and dominant period values ranged from 0.97 to 6.14 and 0.051 to 3.1 Hz, respectively.
Assessing the Financial Burden of Multimorbidity Among Patients Aged 30 and above in India
Authors: Shukla Sudheer Kumar , John Pratheeba , Khemani Sakshi , Nair Ankur Shaji , Singh Nishikant , Sadanandan Rajeev
Published: December 2024

Background
Multimorbidity is associated with significant out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Despite this, there is limited research on the financial burden of multimorbidity in outpatient and inpatient care, and cross-state comparisons of CHE are underexplored.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative data from the National Sample Survey 75th Round ‘Social Consumption in India: Health (2017-18)’, focusing on patients aged 30 and above in outpatient and inpatient care in India. We assessed multimorbidity prevalence, OOPE, CHE incidence, and CHE intensity. Statistical models, including linear, log-linear, and logistic regressions, were used to examine the financial risk, with a focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), healthcare facility choice, and socioeconomic status and Epidemiological Transition Levels (ETLs).
Results
Multimorbidity prevalence in outpatient care (6.1%) was six times higher than in inpatient care (1.1%). It was most prevalent among older adults, higher MPCE quintiles, urban patients, and those with NCDs. Multimorbidity was associated with higher OOPE, particularly in the rich quintile, patients seeking care from private providers, low ETL states, and rural areas. CHE incidence was highest in low ETL states, private healthcare users, poorest quintile, males, and patients aged 70 + years. CHE intensity, measured by mean positive overshoot, was greatest among the poorest quintile, low ETL states, rural, and male patients. Log-linear and logistic regressions indicated that multimorbidity patients with NCDs, those seeking private care, and those in low ETL states had higher OOPE and CHE risk. The poorest rural multimorbidity patients had the greatest likelihood of experiencing CHE. Furthermore, CHE intensity was significantly elevated among multimorbidity patients with NCDs (95% CI: 19.29–45.79), patients seeking care in private, poorest, and from low ETL states (95% CI: 7.36–35.79).
Conclusions
The high financial burden of OOPE and CHE among multimorbidity patients, particularly those with NCDs, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive health policies that address financial risk at the primary care level. To alleviate the financial burden among multimorbidity patients, especially in low-resource settings, it is crucial to expand public healthcare coverage, incorporate outpatient care into financial protection schemes, advocate for integrated care models and preventive strategies, establish standardized treatment protocols for reducing unnecessary medications linked to polypharmacy, and leverage the support of digital health technologies.
Isolated Restricted Diffusion at admission predicts survival in patients of Glioblastoma (IRD-GB)- A prospective pilot study
Authors: Shankar Jai , Patil Nikunj , Ayroso Marco , Marin Roman , Bigio Marc Del , Pitz Marshall , Beiko Jason , Silvaggio Joseph , Essig Marco , Kakumanu Saranya , Sinha Namita
Published: December 2024

Background- Glioblastoma (GB) is the most malignant primary brain tumor. Isolated restricted diffusion (IRD) is restricted diffusion outside the confines of enhancing tumor with no corresponding enhancement on post contrast study. The aim of our study was to prospectively assess the incidence of IRD in GB patients, determine how often these foci proceed to contrast enhancement on follow up, and analyze the survival pattern of patients with IRD.
Methods- In a prospective pilot cohort study, consecutive adult patients (≥18 years old) suspected of having GB on initial MRI of brain, were included and screened for the presence of IRD. All images were independently analyzed by two experienced radiologists for inter-rater reliability.
The survival pattern of patients with IRD was assessed with Cox-regression and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis.
Results- Of the 52 patients (median age- 63 years; male-63.5%) included, 21% (11 of 52) exhibited foci of IRD. Inter-rater agreement on the diagnosis of IRD foci was fair (kappa=0.29) between the two readers.
Among the 11 patients with IRD, only 7 (64%) showed enhancement in the IRD focus on imaging at a median follow up time of 110 days. The Kaplan Meier analysis (Figure 3) revealed a significant decrease (p=0.035) in the survival was observed among patients with IRD focus.
Conclusion- In conclusion, IRD foci were seen in 21% of patients with GB, with 64% of these demonstrating enhancement at the IRD focus on follow up imaging. A shorter survival was associated with IRD foci.
Value of Semi-quantitative Scoring Based on Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Disease Assessment of Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Panke , Li Dan , Li Dongyu
Published: December 2024

Objective
To explore value of semi-quantitative scoring based on musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosis and disease assessment of gouty arthritis (GA).
Methods
Ninety patients with suspected GA who received in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively selected as the study objects. The puncture results of joint synovial fluid or crystal material in the joint cavity were used as the gold standard, and the patients 'joint effusion, synovitis, bone erosion and tenosynovitis were counted. Compare the musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative score with the puncture results of joint synovial fluid or crystal material in the joint cavity to diagnose different pathological types of GA, and evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative score in diagnosing different pathological types of GA. Use correlation analysis to analyze the correlation between patients with the musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative score results, IL-6 and DAS28 scores, and typical musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI examination results.
Results
There was no significant difference between the musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative score and the puncture results of joint synovial fluid or crystal material in the joint cavity. There was no significant difference between the examination results of different lesion types (P > 0.05). The puncture results of joint synovial fluid or crystal material in the joint cavity were used as the gold standard, the sensitivity of musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative scoring in diagnosing synovial thickening, joint effusion, bone erosion, and tendon/tendon sheath inflammation in GA patients was 92.86% (26/28), 96.00% (24/25), 95.24% (20/21), and 75.00% (12/16) respectively. The specificity values were 93.55% (58/62), 96.92% (63/65), 95.65% (66/69), and 98.65% (73/74) respectively. The accuracy rates were 93.33% (84/90), 96.67% (87/90), 95.56% (86/90), and 94.44% (85/90) respectively. According to Pearson linear correlation analysis, as the semi-quantitative scoring increased, there was a positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IL-6, and DAS28 scores (r = 0.729, 0.584, 0.773, P < 0.001). Observation of their serological indicators showed that there were significant differences in serological indicators between patients with different semi-quantitative scores (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Semi-quantitative scoring based on musculoskeletal ultrasound has high value in the diagnosis and assessment of gouty arthritis, and is worth further use.
Identifying factors for pembrolizumab eligibility in head and neck cancer
Authors: Miyamaru Satoru , Murakami Daizo , Nishimoto Kohei , Orita Yorihisa
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used as first-line treatments for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (R/M HNC), there are many cases where the treatment is ineffective, making the assessment of efficacy crucial. In this study, we examined factors associated with the therapeutic effects of pembrolizumab.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients with R/M HNC treated with pembrolizumab from January 2020 to December 2022. We investigated the relationship between survival rates and various factors such as the combined positive score (CPS), histological subtypes, recurrent lesions, details of administered agents, sequence of administration, history of cetuximab use, and presence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Results
The overall survival rates at 1-, 2, and 3 years were 57.4%, 41.8%, and 32.3%, respectively. The response and disease control rates were 31.5% and 51.9%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, a CPS of 20 or higher, first-line treatment, no history of cetuximab use, and the presence of irAEs was associated with better survival rates, whereas in the multivariate analysis, the first two factors were significantly associated with better survival. In this study, 16 of 20 cases had a CPS of 50 or higher, and 7 had a CPS of 90 or higher, indicating that a large number of high CPS cases were included, which is believed to have contributed to the results of this study.
Conclusion
In patients with a CPS of 20 or higher, pembrolizumab can be administered as first-line treatment, with favorable expected therapeutic effects.
High Implant Failure Rate in Patients with Arthrodesis for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fujihara Yuki , Niwa Satoshi , Ota Hideyuki , Fujihara Nasa , Kumagai Hiroaki
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthrodesis is a common surgical procedure used to treat osteoarthritis. However, the high complication rate can deter surgeons and patients from choosing this procedure. This study aimed to compare the implant failure rates of the different fixation techniques used in thumb CMC arthrodesis.
Methods
This retrospective study included 38 patients who underwent thumb CMC arthrodesis between June 2015 and May 2024. We defined implant failure, including screw dislodgement or locking mechanism failure, as the primary outcome and performed multinomial logistic regression analysis. The outcomes in each implant cohort were compared. Demographics, clinical outcomes, and implant types were analysed.
Results
In the multivariate analysis, implant choice was a significant prognostic factor for implant failure, which occurred in 11 (29%) patients. The APTUS Hand 2.0 plate showed significantly higher implant failure rates (73%) than the VariAx hand 2.3 (0%) and headless screws (0%). Other complications included non-union (11%), nerve injury (3%), and metal allergy (3%). Although the two headless screw cohorts were associated with longer casting times and lower EQ-5D scores, they showed less bone grafting and fewer complications.
Conclusions
The locking mechanism of the APTUS Hand 2.0 plate may be inadequate for the forces applied to the thumb joint, resulting in higher implant failure rates. Future studies are required to evaluate the long-term outcomes and biomechanics of different fixation techniques. Although thumb CMC arthrodesis is an effective treatment modality, careful implant selection is crucial to minimise complications. The study’s findings indicate a preference for headless screws.