bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Niño Effects on Southern African Agriculture in 2023/24, Anticipatory Action Strategies to Reduce the Impacts in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mugiyo Hillary , Magadzire Tamuka , Choruma Dennis Junior , Chimonyo Vimbayi Grace Petrova , Manzou Rebecca , Jiri Obert , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwa
Published: October 2023

The brief paper utilises Zimbabwe as a case study to discuss the effects of El Nino in Southern Africa. It offers potential adaptation and mitigation measures for farmers to prepare for the forecasted El Nino-influenced rainy season 2023/24 and the future. To reduce climate and weather hazards connected with El Nino, the brief report suggests anticipatory action methods be applied in southern Africa, using Zimbabwe as a case study. To protect farmers' livelihoods and enhance drought readiness for the forthcoming agricultural seasons, the paper suggests a degree of strategic, tactical, and operational decision-making that the agriculture industry should adhere to. It emphasised the significance of providing farmers with knowledge and advice regarding drought and heat stress, including cultivating crop varieties and livestock and sufficient fire safety precautions. The brief paper calls to advocate for anticipatory action to avert El Nino in Southern Africa.
Ecological Civilization COP 15 and Amphibian Sustainability through Reproduction Technologies, Biobanking, and Conservation Breeding Programs (RBCs)
Authors: Browne Robert K. , Luo Qinghua , Wang Pei , Mansour Nabil , Kaurova Svetlana A. , Gakhova Edith N. , Shishova Natalia V. , Uteshev Victor K. , Kramarova Lyudmila I. , Bolton Rhiannon L. , Venu Govindappa , Sushadi Pangda Sopha , Vaissi Somaye , Taheri-Khas Zeynab , Heshmatzad Pouria , Bagaturov Mikhail F. , Hamer Michelle , Janzen Peter , Naranjo Renato E. , Swegen Aleona , Strand Julie
Published: October 2023

Intergenerational Justice entitles the maximum retention of Earth’s Biodiversity. The United Nations COP 15 committed to the protection of 30% of Earth’s terrestrial environments to provide Biospheric Sustainability. However, proactive amphibian sustainability needs support from amphibian Reproduction Technologies, Biobanking, and Conservation Breeding Programs [RBCs]. These technologies include the reliable practice of stimulation of reproduction and the collection of sperm and oocytes, refrigerated and cryopreserved sperm storage, in vitro fertilization. Emerging technologies promise the perpetuation of species solely from biobanked biomaterials. However, although exemplary national programs for amphibian RBCs are now established in the USA and Australia, these potentials are not fully realised resulting in unacceptable biodiversity loss. To fully realise these potentials an independent and democratic global organisation is proposed to, 1) focus on the bioregions with the highest amphibian biodiversity, 2) maximise regional inclusion in international initiatives, and 3) provide for maximum community engagement and financial resources. We present the first overall multidisciplinary review of amphibian RBCs, including their geopolitical, cultural, and scientific background, along with their development and application to economically, efficiently, and reliably, perpetuate amphibian biodiversity. We provide genetic models, the potential for diploid cell cryopreservation to perpetuate species, along with significant new information on methodologies and techniques, and standardise nomenclature for specificity in publications and media consistency.
Pollution-Reducing Nitrogen Management Practices in a Maize Farmland in North China Plain Adapting to Climate Change
Authors: HE HUAYUN , Hu Qi , Pan Feifei , Pan Xuebiao
Published: October 2023

Quantification of the trade-offs among greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yield and farmers’ incomes is essential for proposing economic and environment nitrogen (N) management strategies for optimizing agricultural production. A four-year (2017–2020) field experiment (including four treatments: control experiment (CK), suitable utilization of fertilization (SU), emission reduction treatment (ER), and high fertilization (HF)) was conducted on maize (Zea mays L.) in the North China Plain. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used in this study to quantify the GHG emissions and farmers’ incomes during the whole maize production process. The total GHG emissions of CK, SU, ER and HF treatments in the process of maize production are 10,755.2, 12,908.7, 11,950.1, and 14,274.5 kg CO2-eq ha−1 respectively, of which the direct emissions account for 84.8%, 76.8%, 74.9%, and 71.0%, respectively. Adding inhibitor significantly reduced direct GHG emissions, and the N2O and CO2 emissions from the maize fields in the ER treatment decreased by 30.0% and 7.9% compared to those in the SU treatment. Insignificant differences in yield were found between the SU and ER treatments, indicating that adding fertilizer inhibitors did not affect farmers’ incomes while reducing GHG emissions. The yield for SU, ER and HF treatments all significantly increased by 12.9%–24.0%, 10.0%–20.7% and 2.1%–17.4% compared to CK, respectively. In comparison with CK, both SU and ER significantly promoted agricultural net profit (ANP) by 16.6% and 12.2% with the mean ANP values of 3,101.0 USD ha-1 and 2,980.0 USD ha-1, respectively. Due to the high agricultural inputs, the ANP values in the HF treatment was 11.2%, 16.6% and 12.4% lower than those in the SU treatment in 2018–2020. In conclusion, the combination of N fertilizer and inhibitors was proved to be an environmentally friendly, high-profit and low-emissions production technology while sustaining or even increasing maize yields in the North China Plain, which was conducive to achieving agricultural sustainability.
Fault Detection based Multiple Local Manifold Learning and Its Application to Blast Furnace Ironmaking Process
Authors: Wang Ke , Wu Ping , Lou Siwei , Pan Haipeng , Gao Jinfeng
Published: October 2023

Process safety plays a vital role in the modern process industry. To prevent undesired accidents caused by malfunctions or other disturbances in complex industrial processes, considerable attention has been paid to data-driven fault detection techniques. To explore the underlying manifold structure, manifold learning methods including Laplacian eigenmaps, locally linear embedding, and Hessian eigenmaps have been utilized in data-driven fault detection. However, only the partial local structure information is extracted from the aforementioned methods. In this paper, these typical manifold learning methods are synthesized to find the underlying manifold structure from different angles. A more comprehensive local structure is discovered under a unified framework by constructing an objection optimization function for dimension reduction of the process data. The proposed method takes advantage of different manifold learning methods. Based on the proposed dimension reduction method, a new data-driven fault detection method is developed. Hotelling’s T2 and Q statistics are established for the purpose of fault detection. Experiments on an industrial benchmark Tennessee Eastman process and a real blast furnace ironmaking process are carried out to demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed method.
CFD Study of Pressure Distribution on Recessed Faces of a Diamond C-Shaped Building
Authors: Kumar Arun , Meena Rahul Kumar , Raj Ritu , Khan Mohammad Iqbal , Khatib Jamal M.
Published: October 2023

Building situated in the flow path of wind is subjected to differential velocity and pressure distribution around the building envelope. Wind effects are influenced and vary for each individual shape of the tall building. Tall building structures are considered as cantilever structures with fixed ends at the ground. Wind exponential velocity acting along the height of the building makes velocity and pressure distribution more complex as the height of the building structure increases. This study discussed the effect of wind on an irregular cross-section shape. The study was conducted numerically with a building model placed in a virtual wind tunnel using the ANSYS (CFX) software tool. Wind effects are investigated on building model situated in a terrain category - II defined in IS: 875 (Part 3): 2015 wind scale model of 1:100 and turbulence intensity is 5 % and power law index α is considered as 0.143. Validation and verification of the study were made by comparing pressure coefficients on faces of a rectangular model of similar floor area and height as taken for a C-plan diamond-shaped model under similar boundary conditions, wind environment, and solver setting of numerical setup. The values of surface pressures generated on the recessed faces of the model and wind flow patterns within the recessed cavity were studied at wind incident angles 0°, 300, 60°, 1050, 1350 & 1800. The critical suction on all the recessed faces was observed to be at a 105° angle of wind attack.
Bimetallic Single-Atom Catalyst for Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Mengyang , Xu Keyu , Sun Ning , Zhuang Yanling , Wang Longlu , *Yan Dafeng
Published: October 2023

Electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) provides a promising approach to clean energy generation. Bimetallic single-atom catalysts raised and have been explored to be advanced catalysts for HER. It is urgent to review and summarize the recent advances in developing bimetallic single-atom HER catalysts. Firstly, the fundamentals of bimetallic single-atom catalysts are presented, highlighting their unique configuration of two isolated metal atoms on supports and resultant synergistic effects. Secondly, recent advances in bimetallic single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic HER under acidic/alkaline conditions are then reviewed, including W-Mo, Ru-Bi, Ni-Fe, Co-Ag, and other dual-atom systems on graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with enhanced HER activity versus monometallic analogs due to geometric and electronic synergies. Then, Photocatalytic bimetallic single-atom catalysts on semiconducting carbon nitrides for solar H2 production are also discussed. Finally, an outlook is provided on opportunities and challenges in precisely controlling bimetallic single-atom catalyst synthesis and gaining in-depth mechanistic insights into bimetallic interactions.
PRODUKSI DAN KOMERSIALISASI SURABI DENGAN CAMPURAN IKAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN NILAI GIZI PRODUK JAJANAN ANAK-ANAK DI PULAU SAMATELLU PANGKAJENE KEPULAUAN
Authors: Mahendradatta Meta , Rahmayanti Andi , Tawali Abu Bakar , Clausthaldi Fadhil Rizki , Fathanah Nurul , Angriani Lisa
Published: October 2023

Kasus stunting sudah menjadi permasalahan nasional, hampir seluruh wilayah Indonesia mengalami permasalahan yang sama, tak terkecuali di Kabupaten Pangkajene Kepulauan (Pangkep) menyentuh angka 17 %. Kondisi tersebut menjadi perhatian khusus pemerintah Kabupaten Pangkep untuk menekan kasus stunting. Oleh karena itu perlu upaya untuk menekan kasus tersebut melalui pemanfaatan potensi sumber daya perikanan yang dimiliki Kabupaten Pangkep.Tujuan dari kegiatan ini adalah untuk mendiseminasikan hasil penelitian produk berupa surabi ikan yang memiliki kandungan nutrisi tinggi untuk mengatasi kasus stunting di Kabupaten Pangkep. Kegiatan ini meliputi survei dan persiapan lokasi, persiapan teknologi yang akan didifusikan pada masyarakat, sosialisasi dalam bentuk ceramah, pelatihan dan praktek pembuatan surabi ikan serta pendampingan dan evaluasi program. Melalui kegiatan ini, diharapkan adanya peningkatan mutu produk pangan, dan peningkatan status gizi melalui produk berupa surabi ikan. Hasil pengabdian dikatakan berhasil yang ditandai dengan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan berdasarkan nilai pre-post test dan produk yang dihasikan pada saat pelatihan pembuatan produk surabi dengan campuran ikan.
Kata kunci: Ikan, pangkep, stunting, surabi.
ABSTRACT
Stunting case has become a national problem, almost all parts of Indonesia have experienced the same problem include Pangkajene Islands Regency (Pangkep) which reaches 17%. This condition is a special concern for the Pangkep Regency government to suppress stunting cases. Therefore, efforts are needed to suppress the case through the utilization of the potential of fishery resources owned by Pangkep Regency. The purpose of this activity is to disseminate the results of product research in the form of fish surabi which contains high nutritional to overcome stunting cases in Pangkep Regency. These activities include surveys and site preparation, preparation of technology that will be diffused to the community, socialization in the form of lectures, training and practice of making fish surabi as well as mentoring and program evaluation. Through this activity, it is expected hat there will be an increase in the quality of food products, and an increase in nutritional status through products in the form of fish surabi. The dedication is stated successful if there is a raising in knowledge based on the value of the pre-post test and the products produced during training on making Surabi products with a mixture of fish.
Keywords: Fish, pangkep, stunting, surabi.
IMPLEMENTASI PASAL 138 KUHAP BAB XV PENUNTUTAN TENTANG PEMBERKASAN PERKARA ATAS PENYIDIKAN DAN PENUNTUTAN SEBUAH PERKARA (STUDI DI KEJAKSAAN NEGERI JAKARTA TIMUR)
Authors: Sumantri Rahardhan Gaza , Alfian Novita
Published: October 2023

This legal research aims to find out and examine problems regarding the implementation of Article 138 of the Criminal Code CHAPTER XV prosecution regarding the filing of cases for the investigation and prosecution of a case with study at (East Jakarta District Attorney), the entire process of which is included in the pre-prosecution process. This research is an empirical legal research that is descriptive in nature. Secondary data types include primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials. Primary data is the main data of this study. While secondary data is used to support primary data. Data collection techniques used were interviews and literature studies with qualitative analysis techniques. The research instrument was in the form of the provisions of Article 110 and Article 138 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Law number 8 of 1981 concerning Criminal Procedure Code, then the analytical technique used was the deductive method. From the results of the study, a conclusion can be drawn that in the case of a narcotics crime case of the methamphetamine type with the case register number: BP/57/V/2022/Res.Narcotics at the East Jakarta District Attorney's Office, then the Public Prosecutor has applied the legal provisions of Article 138 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Where the process of transferring the file by the investigator to the Public Prosecutor has been carried out and according to the provisions of Article 110 and Article 138 paragraph (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, the Public Prosecutor after examining the case file and stating that the file is incomplete.

Keywords: Pre-prosecution, Implementation, investigating officer, East Jakarta District Attorney, Independence, Public Prosecutor, investigation, prosecution
NILAI DAN KEKUATAN PEMBUKTIAN KETERANGAN SAKSI TESTIMONIUM DE AUDITU
Authors: Tarigan Daniel Milano , Rustamaji Muhammad
Published: October 2023

There has been a lot of research on obscenity, but the discussion on the use of testimonium de auditu in obscenity cases is of interest to the author. This thesis aims to examine the value and strength of the evidence of the testimonium de auditu and the testimony suitability of witnesses from the testimony of de auditu in cases of sexual abuse of children under the provisions of criminal procedural law. The type of this research is normative legal research which is prescriptive and applied. This legal research uses a case approach. The legal materials used on this research consist of primary and secondary legal materials. The collection of legal material used in this research use library research. The legal material analysis technique used in this law research is the syllogism method with deductive thinking patterns. Based on the results of the research and discussion, it can be concluded that the value and strength of evidence in criminal procedural law are all of free value to the judge, as well as the testimony of the testimonium de auditu.

 Keywords: Testimonium De Auditu; Value and strength of evidence; Witness testimony
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: TERWUJUDNYA ASAS KEADILAN DAN ASAS KEPASTIAN HUKUM PADA INSTANSI KEPOLISIAN
Authors: Nugroho Alifianissa Puspaningtyas
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian hukum empiris. Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti mengkaji mengenai studi kasus tentang penerapan prinsip Restorative Justice dalam penyelesaian perkara penganiayaan berdasarkan data hasil wawancara kepolisian di Polresta Surakarta. Permasalahan utama dalam penelitian ini adalah mengenai penerapan prinsip Restorative Justice dalam penyelesaian perkara tindak pidana penganiayaan serta tercapainya asas keadilan dan asas kepastian hukum berdasarkan hasil studi kasus di Polresta Surakarta. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa konsep Restorative Justice di Indonesia secara konseptual sudah ada beberapa peraturan hukum yang mengaturnya, perkara penganiayaan di Polresta Surakarta yang telah peneliti uraikan pada bab pembahasan yaitu proses penerapan konsep Restorative Justice dalam hal penyelesaian perkara penganiayaan ini sudah berjalan dengan baik, sudah mencapai asas keadilan. Namun secara faktual dalam hal pelaksanaan konsep Restorative Justice tersebut masih belum terealisasi secara maksimal, terutama terkait dengan asas kepastian hukum. Berdasarkan data, hal tersebut karena adanya ketidaksesuaian antara Peraturan Kapolri Nomor 8 Tahun 2021 mengenai Penanganan Perkara Berdasarkan Keadilan Restoratif tidak bersesuaian dengan isi dari KUHAP. Serta, tidak adanya regulasi yang mengatur apabila pelaku tidak akan mengulangi tindakannya kembali. Sehingga, untuk dapat memaksimalkan asas kepastian hukum tersebut, maka perlu adanya perubahan, baik dalam segi RUU KUHAP, membentuk Undang-Undang baru mengenai Restorative Justice yang memuat mengenai perlindungan korban.
Central Airway Obstruction with Persistent Pulmonary Decline After Vertebral Body Tethering
Authors: Boeyer Melanie , Tweedy Nicole , Hoernschemeyer Daniel , Wiesemann Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Case:

An 11-year-old girl with pectus excavatum presented with an acute airway obstruction and persistent pulmonary compromise after vertebral body tethering (VBT). The anterior instrumentation was occluding her right basilar bronchus, resulting in hyperinflation. Removal of the instrumentation reversed the hyperinflation.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates the difficulty of performing VBT in a small patient with severe scoliosis and significant asymmetric pectus excavatum. We recommend using low-profile instrumentation and ensuring the trajectory of the instrumentation is anterior to the rib head and parallel to the articular facets.
Congenital Ankylosis of the Knee Treated with Van Nes Rotationplasty
Authors: Siebert Matthew J. , Roach James W. , Stotts Alan K.
Published: October 2023

Case:

This is a case of a female patient born with thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome, with bilateral upper extremity phocomelia, bilateral hip dislocations, and congenital fusion of the right knee with progressively worsening flexion contracture. At age 3 years and 5 months, the patient was treated with excision of the knee ankylosis and Van Nes rotationplasty. This proved durable at age 20 years (final follow-up) without any need for further surgery and without complication.

Conclusion:

This is the first known report of Van Nes rotationplasty as a durable treatment option in the management of congenital knee ankylosis, which may avoid reoperation and eliminate risk of recurrence.
LA PESTE NEGRA EN LA CORONA DE CASTILLA (SIGLOS XIV Y XV): EL CASO DE CÓRDOBA
Authors: Fernández Sánchez David
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo tiene por objeto el estudio y profundización del fenómeno histórico de la Peste Negra en la Corona de Castilla entre los siglos XIV y XV. Por medio de un vaciado bibliográfico y el empleo de fuentes de época bajomedieval y moderna, se analiza la relevancia de la misma a lo largo de la historia, la situación actual del conocimiento para el territorio castellano y la evolución cronoepidémica en tierras cordobesas. Ello se adscribe al reflejo de algunos mecanismos de prevención para evitar el contagio y la propagación de la enfermedad, así como las respuestas terapéuticas desde el prisma de los recetarios médicos bajomedievales.
LA PROSTITUCIÓN EN LA CÓRDOBA MODERNA: BALANCE HISTORIOGRÁFICO Y NUEVAS APORTACIONES
Authors: Sereno Paredes Mª Ángeles
Published: October 2023

El presente trabajo consiste en una aproximación histórica a la prostitución cordobesa en la Edad Moderna. Con tal finalidad, se lleva a cabo, en primer lugar, una revisión de la historiografía especializada y un balance historiográfico. En segundo lugar, se procede al estudio de la norma y de la realidad mediante el contraste de diferentes fuentes documentales, como las literarias, jurídicas e históricas, cuya interpretación posibilita la elaboración de una reflexión sobre la realidad de la prostitución, evidenciando las situaciones de marginación y exclusión que sufrieron las prostitutas cordobesas.
Effect of a 12-Week Multiple-Micronutrient Supplementation on INFLA Score among Subjects 70 years and older – Results of a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kerlikowsky Felix , Krüger Karsten , Hahn Andreas , Schuchardt Jan Philipp
Published: October 2023

Background:
Aging is accompanied by an impaired immune system and chronic low-grade inflammation, while the supply-status of anti-inflammatory micronutrients such as long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, folate and cobalamin is often critical in older people.
Methods:
The aim of this randomised, double-blinded, 12-week intervention study with 112 healthy older people (75.5 ± 3.8 years) was to investigate the effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation in physiological doses (i.e., 400 µg folic acid, 100 µg cobalamin, 50 µg cholecalciferol, 18 mg tocopherol, 100 µg selenium, 1000 mg EPA/DHA) on the INFLA score, a new marker for identifying low-grade inflammation in a holistic approach. The status of the following micronutrients, assumed to be potentially critical, was measured: Omega-3 Index (O3I) for relative EPA + DHA levels of total fatty acids in red blood cells, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D), red blood cell folate (RBC folate), and holotranscobalamin (holoTC).
Results:
A significant increase in the nutrient biomarkers in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (all p < 0.001) was observed. The INFLA-Score slightly decreased in individuals receiving the supplement, whereas the score increased in the placebo group (differences not statistically different). A subgroup analysis revealed a significant decrease in INFLA score in supplement treated subjects ≥ 80 years, indicating a lower inflammatory state, compared to no change in the placebo group (INFLA score Δt12-t0: intervention group − 4.1 ± 4.5, placebo group 1.3 ± 3.1 with p = 0.022). Significant associations were found between age and the decrease in the INFLA score (p = 0.010) as well as between the increase in O3I and decrease in INFLA score (p = 0.037).
Conclusion:
In the present cohort of healthy older people, there was a non-significant reduction in INFLA score with multi-nutrient supplementation in physiological doses. People > 80 years of age or with a low basal O3I may benefit from a multinutrient and EPA + DHA supplementation, respectively.
Trial registration
This study is officially recorded in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021302, registration date: 23.04.2020).
The challenge of alleviating potassium limitation in major cropping systems of Southeast Asia
Authors: Grassini Patricio , Rizzo Gonzalo , Agus Fahmuddin , Susanti Zuziana , Buresh Roland , Cassman Kenneth , Dobermann Achim , Agustiani Nurwulan , Aristya Vina , Batubara Siti , Istiqomah Nurul , Oberthür Thomas , Pasuquin Julie , Samijan . , Witt Christian
Published: October 2023

Potassium (K) has received less attention than nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) as a potential yield-limiting factor in cropping systems. Here we investigated the current K limitation in intensive cereal cropping systems of Southeast Asia based on nutrient balances, leaf nutrient status, long- and short-term fertilizer trials, and farmer surveys. We found that soil K alone cannot meet plant requirements and current fertilizer application is insufficient to avoid plant K deficiencies and large negative soil K balances in farmer fields. Removing the K limitation requires improved capacity to predict response to K fertilizer together with long-term, flexible fertilizer and crop straw management strategies. It is likely that similar K limitations have emerged in other world regions as a result of decades of intensive cropping with insufficient replenishment of potassium, which represent headwinds to closing yield gaps on existing farmland.
Biogeographic limits of C4 engineered rice
Authors: Marshall Michael , Haridasan Deepak , V Florencio Campomanes , Tol Christiaan van der , Vrieling Anton , Tu Kevin , Zhang Lilin , Nelson Andrew
Published: October 2023

Genetic engineers are attempting to meet increased global food demand by rewiring the pathway crops take to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide (CO2) into yield. Most crops use the C3 pathway. C4 photosynthesis uses a biological pump that concentrates CO2, which makes it less resource demanding than C3 photosynthesis. C4 photosynthesis however uses more energy than C3 photosynthesis, so the advantage of C4 crops diminishes as atmospheric CO2 concentrations increase and temperatures decrease. By estimating the trade-off between traditional C3 and engineered C4 rice, we show C4 rice benefits less productive countries in the tropics rather than the largest producers (China, India). These geographic variations in productivity gains diminish under higher CO2 concentrations and coincide with the likely commercial release of C4 rice. Therefore, C4 rice will have little advantage in terms of productivity over C3 rice without global climate change mitigation. The findings agree with previous studies that projected declines in C4 grasses as CO2 concentrations increase despite the compensating effects of global warming. Researchers are exploring other yield improvement technologies—the benefits of which are also tied to climatic niches that change over time. Determining the limits of these technologies requires the biogeographic approach adopted in our study.
Association between blood chloride levels and 30-day mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit after coronary artery bypass grafting: analysis of data from MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Yan Jumin , Zhao Liang , Lin Hongqi , Yang Jianjun
Published: October 2023

Background: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) often experience abnormal levels of blood chloride. This study primarily aims to evaluate the association between blood-Cl–-levels and the likelihood of 30-day mortality in this cohort. The authors hypothesized that abnormal blood-Cl–-levels would increase 30-day mortality in these patients.
Methods: The dataset for this research consists of patients who were over the age of 18 and underwent CABG procedures at two renowned establishments in the United States. These institutions are Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, located in Boston, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, situated in Cambridge. The data used in this retrospective cohort study spanned from 2008 to 2019 and were derived from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Based on the tertiles of blood-Cl–-levels, the participants were divided into Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups. To investigate the association between blood-Cl–-levels and 30-day mortality, several statistical models were used, including a generalized additive model (GAM), restricted cubic spines (RCS), and a two-piecewise linear regression model. The 30-day mortality rates of the three groups were depicted using Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curves. Additionally, we employed multivariable logistic regression models to account for any potential known confounding factors.
Results: Finally, in total, 5224 patients (mean age, 68.8 years; 77% male; 65.9% > 65 years of age) entered the analysis. The rates of 30-day mortality in Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups were 2.8%, 0.9%, and 1.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjusting for all latent known covariates, patients in the lower tertile exhibited an increased 30-day mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–5.73]; p = 0.017). The study concluded a nonlinear association between blood-Cl–-level and 30-day mortality, with a threshold at approximately 107.0 mmol/L. The effect sizes and their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) below and above the threshold were as follows: 0.77 (0.67–0.87) and 1.15 (0.83–1.6), respectively.
Conclusion: A nonlinear correlation was observed between the blood-Cl–-levels and the mortality rate within 30 days among patients admitted to the ICU following CABG procedures. Elevated and reduced blood-Cl–-levels were linked to higher rates of 30-day mortality, particularly when Cl– fell below the threshold of 107.0 mmol/L.
The Impact of Vascular Margin Invasion on Local Recurrence After Pancreatoduodenectomy in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: López Julio Cuesta , Ielpo Benedetto , Pinilla Fernando Burdío , Sánchez-Velázquez Patricia
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PADC) still has
nowadays a very impaired long-term survival. Most studies are
focused on overall survival, however local recurrence occurs about
20% of cases and seems to be highly related with margin resection
status and therefore with surgical performance. We aim to analyze
the impact of vascular resection margins on local recurrence (LR)
and to assess its impact on overall and disease-free survival.

METHODS: Eighty out of 191 patients who underwent
pancreatoduodenectomy in a university Hospital between 2006 and
2021 with PDAC diagnosis were analyzed and vascular margin status
specifically addressed. Univariate and multivariate were performed.
Time to LR was compared by using the Kaplan-Meier method and
prognostic factors assessed using Cox regression hazards
model.

RESULTS: LR appeared in 10 (50%) of the overall R1 resections
in the venous margin and 9 (60%) in the arterial one. Time to LR
was significantly shorter when any margin was overall affected
(23.2 vs 44.7 months, p=0.01) and specifically in the arterial
margin involvement (13.7 vs 32.1 months, p=0.009). Overall R1
resections (HR: 2.61, p=0.013) and a positive arterial margin (HR:
2.84, p=0.012) were associated with local recurrence on univariate
analysis, whereas arterial positive margin remained significant on
multivariate analysis (HR: 2.70, p=0.031).

CONCLUSIONS: Arterial margin invasion is correlated in our
cohort with local recurrence. Given the limited ability to modify
this margin intraoperatively, preoperative therapies should be
considered to improve local margin clearance.
PBL methods combined with WeChat as a platform in ophthalmologic teaching in China
Authors: Fang Fang , Bu Bing , Jiang Wenmin
Published: October 2023

Aims
This study tries to evaluate the effectiveness of problem based learning (PBL) combined with WeChat applied to Chinese undergraduate medical students, compared to traditional teaching.
Methods
One hundred and eight undergraduate students who had passed the National Entrance Examination were included in the study. Students were placed into six groups of 18 students using a random number table, and the new teaching methods were tested outside their regular class time. Three groups were randomly selected to receive PBL with the WeChat as the platform, while the remaining three groups received conventional teaching.
Results
The total scores were not significantly different between the PBL group and the traditional teaching group, but the memory scores were higher in the traditional teaching group than in the PBL group, with a statistical difference.
Conclusion
Compare to conventional teaching, PBL has changed the single teacher's "cramming education" model by enabling students to learn more actively.
Technical Considerations for Vascularized Omental Lymph Node Transfer for Advanced-stage Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Authors: Myung Yujin , Choi Nakwon , Ahn Sang Hoon , Hayashi Akitatsu , Park Joseph Kyu-hyung , Nam Sun-Young , Pramanasari Rachmaniar
Published: October 2023

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a promising surgical treatment for advanced-stage cancer-related lymphedema. However, the morbidity associated with the donor site should be carefully considered. Our study demonstrated that using the omentum for VLNT can be an effective and less invasive surgical approach, leading to favorable outcomes. All patients in our study presented with breast cancer-related lymphedema at stage IIb or higher and were scheduled to undergo VLNT surgery. A single-port laparoscopic approach was used to harvest the omental lymph node flap based on the right gastroepiploic artery. The flap was then inset toward lymphatic flow, with additional lymphatic connections made to the recipient vein. None of the patients had major operative complications or reoperation due to surgical site issues. Compared with preoperative measurements, the mean limb volume difference decreased from 25% to 17% at 12 months after the surgery. In contrast, the difference in interlimb impedance ratio measured by bioimpedance analysis decreased from an average of 1.63 to 1.25. The Lymph-Q questionnaire revealed a significant reduction in patients’ discomfort related to lymphedema. Using an omental lymph node flap for VLNT surgery is a promising approach that can provide patients with effective results while minimizing the risk associated with the procedure. This method can particularly benefit patients with advanced-stage lymphedema with limited treatment options.
Study on the diagnostic value of BNLF2b in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: tan liyuan , li fugui
Published: October 2023

Introduction：Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is mostly associated with EBV infection, which often leads to poor prognosis and a high mortality rate of NPC patients due to the high susceptibility of NPC cells to local infiltration of lymph nodes and distant metastasis.
Methods： This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum BNLF2b for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A total of 318 patients (male-to-female ratio: 200:118) were selected to attend the Zhongshan People's Hospital from December 2021 to May 2023, including 152 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, 71 healthy subjects in the physical examination center and 95 nasopharyngitis patients.Elbow venous blood was collected from all of patients, and the content of BNLF2b was determined after quantitative serum extraction.The diagnostic value of serum BNLF2b for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was analyzed using the subject's work characteristics (ROC) curve, and logistic two-factor regression analysis was used to predict the ROC curves of the risk factors for the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by the combined diagnosis of multiple indicators.
Results：we found that serum BNLF2b was significantly and positively correlated with EBV-DNA, nasopharyngeal carcinoma stage, IL-6, and IL-10. Serum BNLF2b was highly efficient in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer, with an AUC of 0.92, a sensitivity of 99%, and a specificity of 93%. In addition, in the diagnosis of early nasopharyngeal carcinoma, serum BNLF2 had an AUC of 0.97, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 97%.
Conclusion： BNLF2b is a feasible new serum biomarker for diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Infectious touching: Has COVID-19 changed our perceptions of social touch? A neural and behavioral study
Authors: Zoabi Dana , Abado Elinor , Shamay-Tsoory Simone , Peled-Avron Leehe
Published: October 2023

Social touch is essential for reducing stress, improving mood and fostering a sense of social connectedness. Stimuli related to social touch are generally perceived as positive. Nevertheless, the social restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way human beings perceive and react to social touch. Indeed, the social distancing imposed by the pandemic may have had long term effects on human perceptions of social touch. In the current study, we examined how perceptions of interpersonal touch in social interactions were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we compared behavioral and neural responses to observed social touch between two groups: pre- and post-COVID-19. Participants in both groups rated the pleasantness of photos of social touch between humans, nonsocial touch between inanimate objects or non-touch photos of either two humans or inanimate objects. We hypothesized that social touch in the post-COVID-19 group would induce hypervigilance due to the risk of infection. In line with our predictions, we found behavioral changes in perceptions of social touch among participants in this group, who rated photos with touch as less pleasant than did participants in the pre-COVID-19 group. Participants in the post-COVID-19 group also rated photos with humans as less pleasant than did participants in the pre-COVID-19 group. Additionally, EEG analysis revealed neural changes in the ERP components associated with hypervigilance: P1 and LPP. Contrary to pre-COVID-19 measures showing more positive P1 amplitudes for touch than for non-touch photos, after COVID-19 no differences in P1 amplitudes were found between touch and non-touch photos. Furthermore, after COVID-19 the P1 amplitudes for human and inanimate photos in the touch condition were similar, a pattern that did not emerge prior to COVID-19. These findings suggest that COVID-19 had a surprising impact on human perceptions of social touch, such that observing nonsocial touch evoked more positive emotions than observing human touch. Further, these findings may reflect shifts in attention or changes in the salience of touch-related information due to the altered circumstances brought about by the pandemic. Overall, our results indicate that COVID-19 has modified human perceptions of social touch, providing evidence that the pandemic has affected individuals' perceptual and evaluative processes and highlighting the importance of considering social and environmental factors in understanding subjective experiences.
Applying Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in emergency departments: a multicentre randomised, implementation study
Authors: Russell Saartje Berendsen , Seimon Radhika , Dixon Emma , Murphy Margaret , Vukasovic Matthew , Bohlken Nicole , Taylor Sharon , Cooper Zoe , Scruton Jennifer , Jain Nitin , Dinh Michael
Published: October 2023

Background
To determine the effectiveness of applying the Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) in conjunction with senior early assessment in different Emergency Departments (EDs).
Methods
This multicentre implementation study, conducted in two metropolitan EDs, used a convenience sample of ED patients. Patients were randomised to either the intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention group who were identified at triage as likely to require in-patient admission, based on START, were briefly assessed by the ED Consultant to confirm the likely admission and the in-patient specialist service the patient would be most likely admitted under. Bed management were then notified to begin bed finding and allocation. Patients in the control group were admitted under standard practices, although the START score was calculated by the investigator, this was only for descriptive purposes. Outcomes measured were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly identified as an in-patient admission by START.
Results
A total of 773 patients were evaluated using the START tool at triage across both sites (Intervention group n = 355 and control group n = 418 patients). The intervention group was associated with a reduced ED length of stay when compared to the control group (351 mins, interquartile range (IQR) 221.0–565.0 mins versus 383 mins, IQR 229.25–580.0 mins; p = 0.85). When stratified into admitted and discharged patients, similar results were seen.
Conclusion
In this extension of the START model of care implementation study in two metropolitan EDs, START, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with some reduced ED length of stay.
Composition-rheology relationships of polymer composite-type precursors
Authors: Grover Caitlin A. , Bernal Cindy Bonilla , Sargin Irmak , Beckman Scott P. , Gozen B. Arda
Published: October 2023

Considering their simplicity, processibility, and tunable rheological properties, polymer composite-type precursors hold exceptional promise in the processing of polymers, ceramics, metals, and their composites. This large variety of precursors used in many different applications cover a large compositional space with dramatically varying rheological properties. Understanding how precursor composition influences their rheological properties is a key need towards streamlining the design and implementation of these precursors. With regard to this design advancement, this study elucidates the composition-rheology relationships of graphene-poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) composite inks as a sample polymer composite-type precursor. To this end, shear and extensional rheology of numerous compositions were studied across a wide compositional space, which varied graphene concentration, total solid concentration, and binder molecular weight. These studies showed that composition greatly affected various rheological parameters, such as the overall presence of yielding behavior. Specifically, this study illustrated the influence of (i) binder structure, (ii) total solid loading, and (iii) binder-filler interactions on ink rheology. Extensional rheology was studied to examine how relaxation behaviors were dependent on composition and explicate how relaxation behaviors coincide with responses to shear forces. In tandem, our results illuminate significant composition-rheology relationships in polymer composite-type precursors.
ER Calcium Depletion as a Key Driver for Impaired ER-to-Mitochondria Calcium Transfer and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Liiv Mailis , Vaarmann Annika , Kuum Malle , Gupta-Blixt Ruby , Janickova Lucia , Hodurova Zuzana , Cagalinec Michal , Zeb Akbar , Choubey Vinay , Hickey Miriam A. , Safiulina Dzamilja , Yi-Long Huang , Gogichaisvili Nana , Mandel Merle , Plaas Mario , Vasar Eero , Loncke Jens , Vervliet Tim , Tsai Ting-Fen , Bultynck Geert , Veksler Vladimir , Kaasik Allen
Published: October 2023

Wolfram syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the WFS1 or CISD2 gene. A primary defect in WS involves poor ER Ca2+ handling, but how this disturbance leads to the disease is not known. The current study, performed in primary isolated neurons, the most affected and disease-relevant cells, involving both WS genes, explains how the disturbed ER Ca2+ handling compromises mitochondrial function and affects neuronal health. Loss of ER Ca2+ content in the axons of the WFS1- or CISD2-deficient neurons is associated with lower IP3R-mediated Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In turn, reduction in mitochondrial Ca2+ content inhibits mitochondrial ATP production leading to an increased axoplasmic NADH/NAD+ ratio. The resulting bioenergetic deficit and reductive stress compromise the health of the neurons. Our work also identifies pharmacological targets and compounds that restore Ca2+ homeostasis, enhance mitochondrial function and improve neuronal function.
Xerostomia care in palliative patients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Coelho Adriana , Marques Andréa , Neves Teresa , Moreira Isabel , Rocha Ana , Gomes Sara , Costa Tatiana , Parola Vitor
Published: October 2023

Background Oral problems are very common in palliative patients and have a huge impact on the quality of life of patients and families. A common complication in these patients and one of the most prevalent and significant problems is xerostomia. Xerostomia influences the taste and tolerance of some foods impacting the appetite and the ability to talk and social interaction, inducing distress. In this context, healthcare professionals should promote oral care to relieve and control symptoms to comfort palliative patients. This study aims to map the literature on how patients receiving palliative care are treated for xerostomia.
Methods Scoping review will be carried out according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A set of relevant electronic databases and grey literature will be searched. This scoping review will consider any quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods study and systematic review designs for inclusion, focusing on how palliative care patients are treated for xerostomia.
Conclusion This scoping review will be the first to map evidence on xerostomia in palliative patients, specifically how to diagnose and treat these patients. Moreover, the review will also take a wide variety of healthcare settings, interventions and their characteristics, and study designs into account.
Evaluating the Scenario of Urban Blue-Green Space in Tezpur Town of Assam using Geo-Technical Approach
Authors: Hazarika Archita , Saikia Jyoti , Saikia Sailajananda
Published: October 2023

Urban blue-green space (UBGS) is considered an effective way to mitigate Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. UBGS not only cools the actual space but also influences the surrounding areas, this phenomenon is termed as urban blue-green space cooling effect. The intensity and density of cooling of the UBGS are one of vital issues of its cooling effects which can play a vital role for urban planners and designers to deal with UHI effects. The present study tries to anatomize the UBGS of urban Tezpur with the help of geo-technology based on the years 1993 and 2023. Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were taken into consideration for the ascertainment of UBGS and UHI. The correlation between LST and NDVI was determined with the aid of Simple Regression analysis. The NDVI values for the years 1993 and 2023 are − 0.32 to 0.70 and − 0.44 and 0.50 respectively. The LST values of the town for the year 1993 are 28.76 to 20.17 and for 2023 the LST value is 29.47 to 20.36. The NDWI value indicates that the water index increases in the water bodies from the year 1993 to 2023
A short course of antibiotics selects for persistent resistance in the human gut
Authors: Yaffe Eitan , Dethlefsen Les , Patankar Arati , Gui Chen , Holmes Susan , Relman David
Published: October 2023

Understanding the relationship between antibiotic use and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance is vital for effective antibiotic stewardship, yet animal models and in vitro experiments poorly replicate real-world conditions. To elucidate how resistance evolves in vivo, we exposed 60 human subjects to ciprofloxacin and used longitudinal stool samples and a new computational method to assemble genomes for 5665 populations of commensal bacterial species within subjects. Analysis of 2.27M polymorphic sequence variants revealed 513 populations that underwent selective sweeps. We found convergent evolution focused on DNA gyrase and evidence of dispersed selective pressure at other genomic loci. Nearly 10% of susceptible bacterial populations evolved towards resistance through sweeps that involved mutations in a specific amino acid in gyrase. Evolution towards resistance was predicted by population abundances before and during the exposure. 89% of gyrase sweeps and the majority of all sweeps persisted more than 10 weeks. This work quantifies the direct relationship between antibiotic usage and the evolution of resistance within the gut communities of individual human hosts.