bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional psychological qualities of Chinese medical students: theoretical models, questionnaire development, and relationship with mental health
Authors: Luo Wenping , Fan Wenshu , Xia Yanglin , Dou Yanchun , Du Juan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Professional psychological qualities are crucial for individuals’ career development and overall well-being, especially in clinical medical professions. Medical students often face significant work, academic, and doctor-patient communication pressures, which can challenge their mental and emotional health. Measuring and understanding the relationship between medical students’ professional psychological qualities and their mental health is of significant practical importance.

Methods

This study developed a comprehensive professional psychological qualities scale through a series of qualitative and quantitative studies, consisting of three main components and thirteen secondary dimensions. The scale’s reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficients. In Study 2, the scale was administered to 972 medical students to explore their anxiety and depression levels. A simple mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between professional psychological qualities, anxiety, and depression.

Results

The professional psychological qualities scale demonstrated satisfactory reliability, with a total scale α coefficient of 0.947 and subscale α coefficients ranging from 0.895 to 0.933. The mediation analysis revealed that medical students’ professional psychological qualities directly negatively impact depression levels and indirectly positively influence them via their effects on anxiety levels, exhibiting an overall masking effect unrelated to depression levels.

Discussion

This study addresses the gap in research on the professional psychological qualities of medical students by providing a reliable measurement tool. The findings shed light on the complex mechanisms through which these qualities impact the mental health process. The scale can be used by other researchers to assess medical students’ professional psychological qualities and further investigate their relationship with mental health outcomes.
Omicron variant and pulmonary involvements: a chest imaging analysis in asymptomatic and mild COVID-19
Authors: Liu Peiben , Cao Kejun , Dai Guanqun , Chen Tingzhen , Zhao Yifan , Xu Hai , Xu Xiaoquan , Cao Quan , Zhan Yiyang , Zuo Xiangrong
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To identify clinical characteristics and risk factors for pulmonary involvements in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant by chest imaging analysis.

Methods

Detailed data and chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features were retrospectively analyzed from asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients infected with Omicron between 24 April and 10 May 2022. We scored chest CT imaging features and categorized the patients into obvious pulmonary involvements (OPI) (score > 2) and not obvious pulmonary involvements (NOPI) (score ≤ 2) groups based on the median score. The risk factors for OPI were identified with analysis results visualized by nomogram.

Results

In total, 339 patients were included (145 were male and 194 were female), and the most frequent clinical symptoms were cough (75.5%); chest CT imaging features were mostly linear opacities (42.8%). Pulmonary involvements were more likely to be found in the left lower lung lobe, with a significant difference in the lung total severity score of the individual lung lobes (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed age stratification [odds ratio (OR) = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.548–2.383); p < 0.001], prolonged nucleic acid negative conversion time (NCT) (NCT > 8d) [OR = 1.842, 95% CI (1.104–3.073); p = 0.019], and pulmonary diseases [OR = 4.698, 95% CI (1.159–19.048); p = 0.03] as independent OPI risk factors.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients infected with Omicron had pulmonary involvements which were not uncommon. Potential risk factors for age stratification, prolonged NCT, and pulmonary diseases can help clinicians to identify OPI in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients infected with Omicron.
Prevalence of tobacco smoking and associated factors among adults in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Daba Chala , Atamo Amanuel , Debela Sisay Abebe , Dagne Mengesha , Desye Belay , Gebrehiwot Mesfin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The public health concern of tobacco smoking is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. Various studies have investigated tobacco smoking in various parts of Ethiopia. However, the findings have been inconsistent and characterized by significant variability. Besides, there is no nationally representative data on the subject, which could deter the design of effective intervention strategies to reduce tobacco-related problems. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of tobacco smoking and associated factors among adults in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols Guideline. A detailed search was conducted from international databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, CINAHL, African Journals Online, HINARI, Global Health, and Google Scholar. The extracted data was analyzed using STATA 14 software. A random-effects model was used to estimate the effect size. The Egger regression test and I2 statistics were used to determine potential publication bias and heterogeneity among the reviewed articles, respectively.

Results

A total of 32 studies with 69,897 study participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of lifetime tobacco smoking among adults in Ethiopia was 16.0% (95% confidence Interval (CI): 13.6–18.39) and there was significant heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 = 99.1%, p < 0.001). Male adults were three times more likely to smoke tobacco as compared with females [OR = 3.22 (95% CI: 2.06–5.03)]. Being an alcohol user [OR = 3.78 (95%CI: 1.27–11.24)] and having tobacco-smoking friends [OR = 7.21 (95%CI: 5.56–9.35)] are potential determinant factors for tobacco smoking.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of lifetime and current tobacco smoking among adults in Ethiopia was high, which calls for urgent intervention. Therefore, prioritization of tobacco control strategies, such as creating awareness about the public health importance of tobacco smoking, can help prevent and mitigate the effects of tobacco smoking. Alcohol control law enforcement should also be strengthened.
Green credit policy and residents’ health: quasi-natural experimental evidence from China
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Wang Yichun , Guo Bingnan
Published: July 2024

Background

Residents’ health plays an important role in economic prosperity and national development.

Methods

The research analyzes data from 262 prefecture-level cities in China spanning the period from 2010 to 2021. Utilizing the implementation of green credit policy in China as a quasi-natural experiment, the paper employs the time-varying Differences-in- Differences (DID) model to evaluate the influence of green credit policy on residents’ health.

Results

The paper results show that: (1) the green credit policy significantly improves residents’ health, and this conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that the green credit policy affects residents’ health through the improvements of the environment and the elevation of public services standards in demonstration cities. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of green credit policy on residents’ health is more significant in the western cities and resource-based cities than in the central-eastern cities and non-resource-based cities. This paper explains the specific path and realization of green credit policy to enhance residents’ health, which provides a reference for further designing and improving effective green credit policy.

Discussion

The deficiencies within the green credit policy has resulted in limited improvements. It is recommended that China should broaden the ambit of the green credit policy and refine the criteria for its execution.
Supporting transplant athletes: perspectives on delivery of a sports performance and well-being service at the British Transplant Games
Authors: Duncan Elaine , Nateri Rachele , Lind Abigail , Leddington-Wright Sheila , Bloxham Alison , Moffitt Lindsey , Sykes David
Published: July 2024

Evidence suggests that engaging in physical activity improves the mental and physical health of transplant recipients. An opportunity to be more active could be participating in the national and international network of Transplant Games. Although the literature on motivations for and the experience of taking part in the Games is available, little is known about what role applied practitioners, specifically sport and exercise psychologists could play as transplant recipients prepare and compete. This paper offers perspectives on the provision of a sports performance well-being service delivered at the British Transplant Games. The paper consists of several sections. The first offers background and how the service came into being. The second provides details of the model and philosophy that underpinned the service delivery. The third includes the trainee and exercise practitioner's casework and the challenges therein. Informed by the team's reflections and post-games survey the final section proposes recommendations for future applied sport and exercise services at this unique event.
Shear fractures of the capitellum in children: a case report and narrative review
Authors: Pilotto Jean-Marc , Valisena Silvia , De Marco Giacomo , Vazquez Oscar , De Rosa Vincenzo , Mendoza Sagaon Mario , De Coulon Geraldo , Dayer Romain , Ceroni Dimitri , Steiger Christina
Published: July 2024

The shear fractures of the capitellum are rare fractures in the pediatric population. Their diagnosis is challenging because of the high cartilaginous component of the growing elbow, requiring a high level of clinical suspicion especially in the case of small osteochondral or chondral fragments. The literature on capitellar shear fractures is mainly represented by case reports, which provides a patchy view of the topic. For this reason, we aimed to draw a narrative review presenting the available management strategies and their outcomes, and present two cases treated in our institution.
Effect of nose twitching on the pupillary dilation in awake and anesthetized horses
Authors: Mascaró Triedo Carlota Emilia , Karar Sahra , Abunemeh Maha , Portier Karine
Published: July 2024

Pupillometry is used in humans to monitor pain, nociception and analgesia. This single-center, non-randomized, non-blinded intervention trial, evaluated the effect of nose twitching on the pupil size in awake, sedated, and anesthetized horses. Pupil height (H) and length (L) were measured before (Be) and after (Af) nose twitching in fourteen non-painful adult awake horses (T0). The percentage of variation (PSV) was calculated (PSVTn = [(TnAf-TnBe)/TnBe]*100). Measurements were repeated (Tn) after acepromazine (0.04 mg kg−1 IV) (T1), romifidine (0.04 mg kg−1 IV) (T2), morphine (0.1 mg kg−1 IV) (T3), after anesthesia induction with diazepam (0.05 mg kg−1 IV) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg−1 IV), at the time the horse was placed on the operating table (T4) and when the expiratory fraction of sevoflurane was 2% (T5). HAf vs. HBe, LAf vs. LBe as well as PSVH vs. PSVL at each time were compared with a Mann–Whitney Wilcoxon test. The PSVL and PSVH, as well as HBe and LBe over time were compared with the Skillings-Mack test followed by a Wilcoxon test for paired data to make pairwise comparisons (Tn + 1 vs. Tn). In non-sedated horses (T0), the application of the nose twitch induced a significant increase in pupil length (LT0Be: 17.09 [16.05; 19.67] mm versus LT0Af: 19.52 [18.74; 21.40]) mm (p = 0.004). Thirty minutes after acepromazine administration (T1), nose twitching induced a significant increase in pupil length (LT1Be: 16.45 [14.80; 18.66] mm versus LT1Af 18.31 [17.20; 20.52] mm) (p = 0.016) and height (HT1Be: 8.44 [5.68; 12.04] mm versus HT1Af: 11.09 [7.97; 14.3] mm) (p < 0.001). PSVHT1 was significantly greater than PSVLT1 (p = 0.025). PSVH was higher at T1 than at T0 (p = 0.04). It was also significantly higher at T1 than at T2 (p < 0.001). Romifidine induced mydriasis (HT2Be 16.95 [14.73; 18.77] mm versus HT1Be 8.44 [5.68; 12.04] mm) (p < 0,001) (LT2Be 19.66 [18.45; 20.41] mm versus LT1Be 16.45 [14.80; 18.66] mm) (p < 0.001). The results suggest that nose twitching induced a pupillary dilation in the awake horse. This effect was potentiated after the administration of acepromazine but disappeared after the administration of romifidine.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Medical Student Mistreatment in Lebanon
Authors: El Nouiri Ahmad , El Kassem Sarah , Al Maaz Zeina , Alhajj Yasser , Al Moussawi Alhareth , El Yaman Ahmad , El Hajjar Hussein , Abdallah Mohannad , Assi Gaith , Houri Mohamad , Azakir Bilal
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of medical student mistreatment in Lebanon, the framework of the incidents, and the extent of students’ knowledge on mistreatment characteristics.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted using an online-based survey among medical students who have performed clinical rotations in Lebanon.

Results

Out of 300 respondents, 48.7% reported being subjected to mistreatment during clinical practice, which was significantly associated with gender, type of university, and family income. The two most common sources of mistreatment were patients and their families/friends (77.4%), and attending physicians (52.7%), followed by residents (49.3%). Students mostly chose to be passive and pacifying. Additionally, 64.7% of students stated they were not trained about the ideal way to handle these incidents.

Conclusion

This study showed that medical student mistreatment is highly prevalent in Lebanon. It also highlighted the lack of proper education on mistreatment characteristics and the necessity for investigating its effects.
Analysis of the Economic Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease With Comorbidities Among Patients in Xuzhou, China
Authors: Jie Wan , Yao Minghong , Wang Mingqi , Wang Yuning , Jia Yulong , Liu Yanmei , Zou Kang , Sun Xin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To analyze the costs and medication patterns of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and comorbidities in Xuzhou, China, using a large electronic medical records database.

Methods

Data were obtained from an electronic medical records database. The annual per-person and per-visit cost of hospitalization, as well as the proportions of those costs, are presented.

Results

The majority of the participants were middle-aged men, and had medical insurance. Glomerulonephritis was the primary cause of CKD in patients with an identified etiology. The average per-visit cost of hospitalization for the CKD-renal anemia and CKD-mineral and bone disorder groups was 8,674.5 (5,154.3–13,949.6) and 8,182.6 (4,798.2–12,844.7) Yuan, respectively, which was greater than that of the other groups. The major expenses incurred were for diagnostics, drug usage, surgical procedures, laboratory tests and material costs.

Conclusion

The substantial burden imposed by CKD with comorbidities indicates the importance of implementing public health strategies aimed at detecting and preventing these conditions in the general population. With the aging population, our nation may experience a greater CKD-related economic burden.
Successful Treatment of an Acinar Pancreatic Carcinoma in an Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps): A Case Report
Authors: Hetterich Johannes , Hewicker-Trautwein Marion , Reineking Wencke , Allnoch Lisa , Pees Michael
Published: July 2024

An adult, 362 g, male, intact inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was admitted to a veterinary clinic due to a temporary cloacal prolapse and a two-week history of reduced overall condition and forage intake. Physical examination revealed an approximately 2 × 1 cm round-shaped, rigid intracoelomic tissue mass. Multiple sand deposits were present on the cloacal mucous membranes, though no signs of cloacal prolapse were present. The lizard was otherwise responsive but showed reduced body tension and movement behavior. Initial fecal examination revealed a high-grade oxyuriasis. A 2 × 1.5 cm sized intracoelomic, well-vascularized, round-shaped mass was subsequently visualized by ultrasonography. After a two-day stabilization therapy, the intracoelomic mass was removed by performing a standard ventral coeliotomy under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination of the excised mass revealed an acinar pancreatic adenocarcinoma with infiltration of the peritumorous connective soft tissue. The lizard remained at the clinic for a further seven days. Its postsurgical condition improved slowly. However, the lizard started regular forage intake 10 days after surgery, and general behavior enhanced constantly within the following three weeks. The animal was presented for a follow-up six weeks after surgery, showing bright and alert behavior with no signs of disease or illness. The lizard was re-examined 20 months after the initial presentation due to a reduced overall condition and reduced food intake. Blood chemistry evaluation revealed markedly decreased protein parameters, and moderate ascites was identified ultrasonographically. A distinct association with the preceding neoplastic disease could not be made, and the lizard returned to its regular condition under supportive therapy within three weeks. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of a pancreatic carcinoma in a bearded dragon.
Goats on the Move: Evaluating Machine Learning Models for Goat Activity Analysis Using Accelerometer Data
Authors: Hollevoet Arthur , De Waele Timo , Peralta Daniel , Tuyttens Frank , De Poorter Eli , Shahid Adnan
Published: July 2024

Putting sensors on the bodies of animals to automate animal activity recognition and gain insight into their behaviors can help improve their living conditions. Although previous hard-coded algorithms failed to classify complex time series obtained from accelerometer data, recent advances in deep learning have improved the task of animal activity recognition for the better. However, a comparative analysis of the generalizing capabilities of various models in combination with different input types has yet to be addressed. This study experimented with two techniques for transforming the segmented accelerometer data to make them more orientation-independent. The methods included calculating the magnitude of the three-axis accelerometer vector and calculating the Discrete Fourier Transform for both sets of three-axis data as the vector magnitude. Three different deep learning models were trained on this data: a Multilayer Perceptron, a Convolutional Neural Network, and an ensemble merging both called a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network. Besides mixed cross-validation, every model and input type combination was assessed on a goat-wise leave-one-out cross-validation set to evaluate its generalizing capability. Using orientation-independent data transformations gave promising results. A hybrid Convolutional Neural Network with L2-norm as the input combined the higher classification accuracy of a Convolutional Neural Network with the lower standard deviation of a Multilayer Perceptron. Most of the misclassifications occurred for behaviors that display similar accelerometer traces and minority classes, which could be improved in future work by assembling larger and more balanced datasets.
Density Functional Theory Study on the Adsorption of Co(II) in Aqueous Solution by Graphene Oxide
Authors: Bao Ping , Wang Xiaowei , Men Jinfeng , Xie Yudong
Published: July 2024

Aiming at the removal of radioactive cobalt ions from water by graphene oxide (GO), the adsorption mechanism of Co2+ on graphene oxide was analyzed using the quantum chemical calculation software Gaussian 16 based on density functional theory. The influence of material structure factors such as carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, epoxy groups and graphene sheets as well as external environmental factors such as pH, temperature and interfering ions on the adsorption effect was determined, and the influence of external environment was verified through experiments. Through calculation and experiment, it was found that the existence of oxygen-containing functional groups on graphene oxide can improve the adsorption efficiency of the material appropriately, and increasing the pH under acidic conditions was also helpful to improve the adsorption effect. The material had certain selectivity for Co2+, and the adsorption capacity and selectivity could be further improved when it was modified by increasing hydroxyl groups.
In Vitro: The Extraordinary Enhancement in Rutin Accumulation and Antioxidant Activity in Philodendron “Imperial Red” Plantlets Using Ti-Mo-Ni-O Nanotubes as a Novel Elicitor
Authors: Ebrahim Hanan S. , Deyab Nourhan M. , Shaheen Basamat S. , Gabr Ahmed M. M. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: July 2024

Rutin, a flavonoid phytochemical compound, plays a vital role in human health. It is used in treating capillary fragility and has anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. In this study, Ti-Mo-Ni-O nanotubes (NTs) were used, for the first time, in an unprecedented plant biotechnology application, wherein in vitro Philodendron shoots (Philodendron erubescens) known as “Imperial Red” were targeted for rutin accumulation. The antioxidant responses and the accumulation of rutin were evaluated in treated Philodendron erubescens (P. erubescens) shoots using 5.0 mg/L of Ti-Mo-Ni-O NTs. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were estimated, and an ABTS+ assay, FRAP assay, and iron metal chelation assay were performed. The application of Ti-Mo-Ni-O NTs enhanced the rutin content considerably from 0.02 mg/g to 2.96 mg/g for dry-weight shootlet extracts. Therefore, the use of Ti-Mo-Ni-O NTs is proposed to be a superior alternative to elevate the rutin content. The aim of the current study is to target P. erubescens shoots grown in vitro for the accumulation of rutin compounds using Ti-Mo-Ni-O NT powder, to determine the quantitative and qualitative accumulation of rutin via HPLC–DAD analysis, and to estimate the antioxidant activity of P. erubescens shoot extract. This study presents a novel methodology for utilizing nano-biotechnology in the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites.
Effect of Structural and Material Modifications of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells on Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Gnida Paweł , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: July 2024

Dye-sensitized solar cells with synthesized phenothiazine derivative 3,7′-bis(2-cyano-1-acrylic acid)-10-ethyl-phenothiazine (PTZ) and commercial di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II) (N719) dyes were fabricated and characterized based on current–voltage measurements. The effect of the utilization of individual dyes and its mixture, chenodeoxycholic acid as co-adsorbent addition, replacement of I−/I3− by Co2+/3+ ions in electrolyte and platinum by semiconducting polymer mixture poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate in counter electrode was studied. Additionally, the effect of polymer thickness on the photovoltaic performance of the device was evaluated. Prepared photoanodes were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The further modification of DSSCs involving the fabrication of tandem solar cells was carried out. The higher power conversion efficiency 7.60% exhibited tandem photovoltaic cell sensitized with dyes mixture containing co-adsorbent, I−/I3− ions in the electrolyte, and platinum in the electrode.
Deposition and Structural Characterization of Mg-Zn Co-Doped GaN Films by Radio-Frequency Magnetron Sputtering in a N2-Ar2 Environment
Authors: Gastellóu Erick , García Rafael , Herrera Ana M. , Ramos Antonio , García Godofredo , Hirata Gustavo A. , Luna José A. , Rodríguez Jorge A. , Robles Mario , Ramírez Yani D. , García Iván E.
Published: July 2024

Mg-Zn co-doped GaN films were deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering in an N2-Ar2 environment at room temperature, using a target prepared with Mg-Zn co-doped GaN powders. X-ray diffraction patterns showed broad peaks with an average crystal size of 13.65 nm and lattice constants for a hexagonal structure of a = 3.1 Å and c = 5.1 Å. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs and atomic force microscopy images demonstrated homogeneity in the deposition of the films and good surface morphology with a mean roughness of 1.1 nm. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations showed the presence of gallium and nitrogen as elemental contributions as well as of zinc and magnesium as co-doping elements. Profilometry showed a value of 260.2 nm in thickness in the Mg-Zn co-doped GaN films. Finally, photoluminescence demonstrated fundamental energy emission located at 2.8 eV (430.5 nm), which might be related to the incorporation of magnesium and zinc atoms.
A Parametric Study of the Organosolv Fractionation of Norway Spruce Sawdust
Authors: Monção Maxwel , Anukam Anthony Ike , Hrůzová Kateřina , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul , Matsakas Leonidas
Published: July 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass represents an excellent alternative to fossil fuels in terms of both energy production and raw material usage for a plethora of daily-use products. Organosolv pretreatment is a fractionation technique able to separate lignocellulosic biomass into individual streams of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin under controlled conditions. Sawdust, the by-product of sawmill processing of Picea abies wood, was the subject of our investigation in this work. The aim was to evaluate the effects of different parameters of the organosolv process of spruce sawdust on the yield of components and how this affects the enzymatic saccharification of cellulose. Sixteen distinct pretreatments were performed with ethanol concentrations of 50 and 60% v/v at 180 and 200 °C for 15 and 30 min. Half of the pretreatments contained 1% sulfuric acid as a catalyst, while the other half were acid-free. Thereafter, the effects of different variables on the yield of products were assessed and compared to determine the ideal pretreatment condition. The results showed that cellulose-rich pulps, with cellulose content as high as 55% were generated from an initial mass of 37.7% spruce sawdust with the reactor operating at 180 °C for 30 min using 60% ethanol and 1% sulfuric acid. With the pretreatments performed with the catalyst at 200 °C, hemicellulose was almost entirely removed from the pulps obtained. The recovered hemicellulose fraction was composed mainly of monomers achieving up to 10 g/100 g of biomass. Delignification values of up to 65.7% were achieved with this pretreatment technique. Fractionated lignin presented low levels of sugar and ashes contamination, with values as low as 1.29% w/w. Enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated pulps yielded 78% cellulose hydrolysis, with glucose release higher than 0.54 g/g of biomass, indicating the potential of the pulps to be applied in a fermentation process.
Multiphysics Measurements for Detection of Gas Hydrate Formation in Undersaturated Oil Coreflooding Experiments with Seawater Injection
Authors: Geranutti Bianca L. S. , Pohl Mathias , Rathmaier Daniel , Karimi Somayeh , Prasad Manika , Zerpa Luis E.
Published: July 2024

A solid phase of natural gas hydrates can form from dissolved gas in oil during cold water injection into shallow undersaturated oil reservoirs. This creates significant risks to oil production due to potential permeability reduction and flow assurance issues. Understanding the conditions under which gas hydrates form and their impact on reservoir properties is important for optimizing oil recovery processes and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of oil reservoirs subject to waterflooding. In this work, we present two fluid displacement experiments under temperature control using Bentheimer sandstone core samples. A large diameter core sample of 3 inches in diameter and 10 inches in length was instrumented with multiphysics sensors (i.e., ultrasonic, electrical conductivity, strain, and temperature) to detect the onset of hydrate formation during cooling/injection steps. A small diameter core sample of 1.5 inches in diameter and 12 inches in length was used in a coreflooding apparatus with high-precision pressure transducers to determine the effect of hydrate formation on rock permeability. The fluid phase transition to solid hydrate phase was detected during the displacement of live-oil with injected water. The experimental procedure consisted of cooling and injection steps. Gas hydrate formation was detected from ultrasonic measurements at 7 °C, while strain measurements registered changes at 4 °C after gas hydrate concentration increased further. Ultrasonic velocities indicated the pore-filling morphology of gas hydrates, resulting in a high hydrate saturation of theoretically up to 38% and a substantial risk of intrinsic permeability reduction in the reservoir rock due to pore blockage by hydrates.
Cohort Profile: Chongqing Pubertal Timing and Environment Study in China with 15 Follow-Ups since 2014
Authors: Wu Di , Luo Jie , Zhang Qin , Liu Shudan , Xi Xuan , Wu Wenyi , Zhou Yuanke , Tian Yu , Wang Yujie , He Zongwei , Zhang Jie , Wang Hong , Liu Qin
Published: July 2024

Background: Puberty is a life milestone that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. An ambispective Chongqing Pubertal Timing (CQPT) cohort was started in 2014 to understand pubertal timing and identify environmental risk factors. Methods: A total of 1429 children and adolescents were recruited and have been followed up once every 6 months for 8 years in a district of Chongqing, China. Data were collected via questionnaires for social and family environment, health conditions, gestational and maternal information, and in-person physical examinations by trained medical school graduate students in follow-ups. Environmental exposures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), neonicotinoids, and heavy metals in urine samples were measured at different time points. Results: The mean ages at pubertal onset were 10.20 for thelarche, 11.62 for pubic hair development, and 11.84 for menarche in girls, and 11.16 for genital development, 11.66 for testicular enlargement, and 12.71 for first spermatorrhea in boys. Four OH-PAHs were associated with delayed timing of menarche, thelarche, pubic hair, and axillary hair development in girls, and thiacloprid was found to potentially impact genital stages in boys and axillary hair development in girls. Conclusions: We built a cohort to provide evidence of regional pubertal timing of boys and girls and the significant environmental factors. Further health outcomes, especially mental health and women’s health and its long-term health implications, will be followed.
Grading of Fatty Liver Based on Computed Tomography Hounsfield Unit Values versus Ultrasonography Grading
Authors: Alshoabi Sultan Abdulwadoud , Alharbi Reyan Mohammed , Algohani Rufaydah Bader , Alahmadi Shahad Abdullah , Ahmed Maryam , Faqeeh Samah F. , Alahmadi Dalal , Qurashi Abdulaziz A. , Alhazmi Fahad H. , Alrehaili Rakan Mohammed , Almughathawi Abdulrahman Khalil
Published: July 2024

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) ranges from hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and may lead to liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of numerical grading MASLD using noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT). Methods: In a retrospective study of 166 patients diagnosed with MASLD between June 2020 and January 2024, MASLD was graded by ultrasonography, and liver density was measured on NCCT. The MASLD grades and NCCT densities were compared. Results: The MASLD grades were distributed as follows: grade 0 (n = 79, 47.6%), grade 2 (n = 48, 28.9%), grade 1 (n = 25, 15.1%), and grade 3 (n = 14, 8.4%). The mean liver density was 57.75 Hounsfield units (HU) ± 6.18 (range: 48.9–78.2), 51.1 HU ± 4.7 (range: 41.4–59.7), 39.3 ± 6.4 (range: 21.4–48.9), and 22.87 ± 7.5 (range: 12–36.4) in the grade 0, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 patients, respectively. An analysis of variance test showed significant variance in the distribution of mean liver density in the different MASLD grades (p < 0.001). Conclusions: After ultrasonography diagnosis of MASLD, NCCT offers an objective, numerical, and calculable method for MASLD grading that is available for radiologists, radiologic technologists, and interested physicians away from experience dependence. NCCT determined that grade 2 had a specific density from 36.4 to 41.4 HU that significantly overlapped with grade 1 (41.4–48.9) HU and with grade 3 (21.4–36.4 HU). Grade 1 showed a significant overlap with the normal liver (48.9–59.7 HU).
Artificial Ground Freezing—On the Soil Deformations during Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Joudieh Zeina , Cuisinier Olivier , Abdallah Adel , Masrouri Farimah
Published: July 2024

Artificial ground freezing (AGF) has emerged as a prominent treatment method due to its ability to mechanically strengthen the soil while reducing its permeability. However, its implementation has raised concerns about its impact, particularly with respect to frost heave and subsequent thaw-induced displacements. These soil movements can cause subsidence and pose a significant threat to the integrity of surface structures. Overburden pressure plays a crucial role in AGF and determines the amount of heave generated. This paper presents an analysis of the existing literature about soil freezing and thawing. The aim is to offer an understanding of these processes, specifically with regard to their application in AGF. This paper explains the behavior of soil during freezing, with particular emphasis on the influence of overburden pressure. It also investigates frozen soils’ thawing and freeze–thaw (FT) cycles’ long-term effects on soil properties. AGF offers improved soil strength and reduced water permeability, enhancing construction project stability. However, the interplay between the temperature, soil composition, and initial ground conditions during freezing is complex. This thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical process strengthens the soil and reduces its permeability, but it can also induce frost heave due to water expansion and ice lens formation. Overburden pressure from the overlying soil limits ice lens growth. FT cycles significantly impact soil properties. In fine-grained soils, FT cycles can lead to over-consolidation, while rapid thawing can generate high pore pressures and compromise stability. Importantly, FT acts as a weathering mechanism, influencing soil properties at both the microscopic and macroscopic scales. These cycles can loosen over-consolidated soil, densify normally consolidated soil, and increase overall hydraulic conductivity due to structural changes. They can also weaken the soil’s structure and deteriorate its mechanical performance.
Long-Term Evolution of the Climatic Factors and Its Influence on Grape Quality in Northeastern Romania
Authors: Filimon Roxana Mihaela , Bunea Claudiu Ioan , Filimon Răzvan Vasile , Bora Florin Dumitru , Damian Doina
Published: July 2024

Climate change is currently the greatest threat to the environment as we know it today. The present study aimed to highlight the changes in the main climatic elements during the last five decades (1971–2020) in northeastern Romania (Copou-Iaşi wine-growing center) and their impact on grape quality, as part of precision viticulture strategies and efficient management of grapevine plantations. Data analysis revealed a constant and significant increase in the average air temperature in the last 50 years (+1.70 °C), more pronounced in the last 10 years (+0.61 °C), with a number of days with extreme temperatures (>30 °C) of over 3.5-fold higher, in parallel with a fluctuating precipitation regime. The increase in average temperatures in the last 40 years was highly correlated with the advancement of the grape harvest date (up to 12 days), a significant increase in Vitis vinifera L. white grape sugar concentration (+15–25 g/L), and a drastic decrease in total acidity (−2.0–3.5 g/L tartaric acid). The significant increase in the values of the bioclimatic indices require the reclassification of the wine-growing area in higher classes of favorability, raising the opportunity to grow cultivars that are more suited to warmer climates, ensuring the efficiency of the plantation, and meeting current consumer expectations.
Proteomic Changes Induced by the Immunosuppressant Everolimus in Human Podocytes
Authors: Bruschi Maurizio , Granata Simona , Candiano Giovanni , Petretto Andrea , Bartolucci Martina , Kajana Xhuliana , Spinelli Sonia , Verlato Alberto , Provenzano Michele , Zaza Gianluigi
Published: July 2024

mTOR inhibitors (mTOR-Is) may induce proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients through podocyte damage. However, the mechanism has only been partially defined. Total cell lysates and supernatants of immortalized human podocytes treated with different doses of everolimus (EVE) (10, 100, 200, and 500 nM) for 24 h were subjected to mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Support vector machine and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used for data analysis. The results were validated in urine samples from 28 kidney transplant recipients receiving EVE as part of their immunosuppressive therapy. We identified more than 7000 differentially expressed proteins involved in several pathways, including kinases, cell cycle regulation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and protein synthesis, according to gene ontology. Among these, after statistical analysis, 65 showed an expression level significantly and directly correlated with EVE dosage. Polo-Like Kinase 1 (PLK1) content was increased, whereas osteopontin (SPP1) content was reduced in podocytes and supernatants in a dose-dependent manner and significantly correlated with EVE dose (p < 0.0001, FDR < 5%). Similar results were obtained in the urine of kidney transplant patients. This study analyzed the impact of different doses of mTOR-Is on podocytes, helping to understand not only the biological basis of their therapeutic effects but also the possible mechanisms underlying proteinuria.
Pre-Existing Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: Insights from the CARDIO COVID 19–20 Registry
Authors: Bernal Torres Wikler , Arango-Ibanez Juan Pablo , Montero Echeverri Juan Manuel , Posso Marín Santiago , Alvarado Armando , Ulate Andrés , Oliver Paola , Criollo Ivan , Yabar Galindo Wilbert German , Sandoval Sylvia , Millán Orozco William , Verdugo Thomas Fernando , Appiani Florit Franco , Buitrago Andrés , Christen Alejandra Ines , Morr Igor , Passos Luiz Carlos Santana , Aguirre Marlon , Correa Roger Martín , León-Giraldo Hoover O. , Arteaga-Tobar Andrea Alejandra , Gómez-Mesa Juan Esteban
Published: July 2024

Pre-existing (chronic) atrial fibrillation (AF) has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular complications and mortality in patients with COVID-19; however, evidence in Latin America (LATAM) is scarce. This prospective and multicenter study from the CARDIO COVID 19–20 database includes hospitalized adults with COVID-19 from 14 countries in LATAM. A parsimonious logistic regression model was used to identify the main factors associated with mortality in a simulated case-control setting comparing patients with a history of AF to those without. In total, 3260 patients were included, of which 115 had AF. The AF group was older, had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and had greater use of cardiovascular medications. In the model, AF, chronic kidney disease, and a respiratory rate > 25 at admission were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. The use of corticosteroids did not reach statistical significance; however, an effect was seen through the confidence interval. Thus, pre-existing AF increases mortality risk irrespective of other concomitant factors. Chronic kidney disease and a high respiratory rate at admission are also key factors for in-hospital mortality. These findings highlight the importance of comorbidities and regional characteristics in COVID-19 outcomes, in this instance, enhancing the evidence for patients from LATAM.
Next-Generation-Sequencing of the Human B-Cell Receptor Improves Detection and Diagnosis and Enhances Disease Monitoring in Patients with Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma
Authors: Akpa Chidimma Agatha , Husemann Cora , Allen Chris , von Brünneck Ann-Christin , Ihlow Jana , Hummel Michael
Published: July 2024

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are slow-growing B-cell lymphomas mainly diagnosed in the stomach and termed gastric MALT lymphoma (G-MALT). Despite histological evaluation, immunostaining, and additional B-cell clonality analysis by fragment analysis, a clear-cut diagnosis is not feasible in all cases, especially for clinical follow-up of patients after treatment. We examined clonally rearranged immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain gene sequences of 36 genomic DNA samples from six different patients obtained at different time points over the course of several years using the OncomineTM B-cell receptor pan-clonality next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay. Each case consisted of samples diagnosed with G-MALT and samples without evidence of lymphoma, based on histological examinations. We show a robust correlation (100%) of the results between the applied NGS method and histology-diagnosed G-MALT-positive patients. We also detected malignant clonotypes in samples where histology assessment failed to provide clear evidence of G-MALT (15 out of 19 samples). Furthermore, this method revealed malignant clonotypes much earlier in the disease course, with NGS of the immunoglobulin light chain being crucial in complementing immunoglobulin heavy-chain analysis. Hence, the value of NGS in routine lymphoma diagnostics is greatly significant and can be explored in order to provide better diagnoses and proffer the early detection of lymphoma relapse.
MaAzaR, a Zn2Cys6/Fungus-Specific Transcriptional Factor, Is Involved in Stress Tolerance and Conidiation Pattern Shift in Metarhizium acridum
Authors: Zhou Jinyuan , Wang Siqin , Xia Yuxian , Peng Guoxiong
Published: July 2024

Entomopathogenic fungi are valuable sources of biological pesticides, with conidial yield and quality being pivotal factors determining their broad applications. AzaR, a fungus-specific zinc-cluster transcription factor, is known to regulate the biosynthesis of polyketone secondary metabolites in Aspergillus niger; however, its role in pathogenic fungi remains unclear. This study investigated the role of MaAzaR in the growth, development, and environmental tolerance of Metarhizium acridum. MaAzaR deletion slowed down conidial germination rate, caused reduction in conidial yield, lowered fungal tolerance to UV radiation, did not affect fungal heat-shock tolerance, and increased fungal sensitivity to the cell-wall-destructive agent calcofluor white. Furthermore, MaAzaR deletion transformed microcycle conidiation to normal conidiation on the microcycle conidiation medium. Transcription profile analysis demonstrated that MaAzaR could regulate transformation of the conidiation pattern by controlling the expression of genes related to cell division, mycelium growth and development, and cell wall integrity. Thus, this study identified a new gene related to fungal conidiation and environmental tolerance, enriching our understanding of the molecular mechanism of microcycle conidiation and providing theoretical support and genetic resources for the development of high-yielding strains.
Transfictionality, Extensions and Transmedia Journalism: Expanding the Storyworld of Slavery of The 1619 Project
Authors: Chalikiopoulou Eleni , Veglis Andreas
Published: July 2024

Transmedia storytelling combines various concepts and respective strategies that were originally intended for the expansion of fictional storyworlds. Gradually, technological convergence and the digitization of information facilitated their adoption by the field of journalism. This study examines if and how transfictionality and its extensions are incorporated into transmedia journalistic projects, with the aim of expanding non-fictional storyworlds. The research methodology follows the scheme of qualitative content analysis in a sample of six essays of the online special issue of The 1619 Project, a transmedia journalistic venture published by The New York Times. In this context, Scolari’s taxonomy of extensions (2009) was used as an objective research tool through which the research sample was analyzed and interpreted. The research findings reveal that the research sample includes various stories whose functions are similar to those of extensions while audience actively participates in the construction of the represented storyworld. Moreover, the whole project incorporates ‘expansion’, a form of transfictionality that extends fictional storyworlds, by using extensions (e.g., sequels, prequels). Therefore, it seems that the field of transmedia journalism adopts both transfictionality and extensions, with the aim of expanding non-fictional storyworlds, enhancing the development of collaborative transmedia journalistic efforts.
Toxin Dynamics among Populations of the Bioluminescent HAB Species Pyrodinium bahamense from the Indian River Lagoon, FL
Authors: Cusick Kathleen D. , Wei Bofan , Hall Sydney , Brown Nicole , Widder Edith A. , Boyer Gregory L.
Published: July 2024

Dinoflagellate species that form some of the most frequent toxic blooms are also bioluminescent, yet the two traits are rarely linked when studying bloom development and persistence. P. bahamense is a toxic, bioluminescent dinoflagellate that previously bloomed in Florida with no known record of saxitoxin (STX) production. Over the past 20 years, STX was identified in P. bahamense populations. The goal of this study was to examine toxin dynamics and associated molecular mechanisms in spatially and temporally distinct P. bahamense populations from the Indian River Lagoon, FL. SxtA4 is a key gene required for toxin biosynthesis. SxtA4 genotype analysis was performed on individual cells from multiple sites. Cell abundance, toxin quota cell−1, and sxtA4 and RubisCo (rbcL) transcript abundance were also measured. There was a significant negative correlation between cell abundance and toxin quota cell−1. While the sxtA4+ genotype was dominant at all sites, its frequency varied, but it occurred at 90–100% in many samples. The underlying mechanism for toxin decrease with increased cell abundance remains unknown. However, a strong, statistically significant negative correlation was found between stxA4 transcripts and the sxtA4/rbcL ratio, suggesting cells make fewer sxtA4 transcripts as a bloom progresses. However, the influence of sxtA4− cells must also be considered. Future plans include bioluminescence measurements, normalized to a per cell basis, at sites when toxicity is measured along with concomitant quantification of sxtA4 gene and transcript copy numbers as a means to elucidate whether changes in bloom toxicity are driven more at the genetic (emergence of sxtA4− cells) or transcriptional (repression of sxtA4 in sxtA4+ cells) level. Based on the results of this study, a model is proposed that links the combined traits of toxicity and bioluminescence in P. bahamense bloom development.