bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-ferrous metal tool complex of the Petrovka Culture of Northern Kazakhstan: morphologi-cal and typological characteristics
Authors: Kuzminykh S.V. , Degtyareva A.D. , Orlovskaya L.B. , Vinogradov N.B.
Published: December 2023

Tools and weapons made of copper and bronze from the Petrovka Culture of the Northern Kazakhstan of the 19th–18th cen-turies BC are presented, originating mainly from sites complexes explored in the 70–80s 20th century G.B. Zdanovich and S.Ya. Zda-novich. When distributing tools and weapons by type, methods of typological division of equipment were used, taking into ac-count the configuration of the product, the presence or absence of certain qualitative features, the design features of the handle, the handle, the area in the area of the transition of the blade part to the handle, the shape and section of the blade. The sample is represented by tools, weapons, ingots, semi-finished products, analytically studied in the 70–80s 20th century in the Labora-tory of Natural Science Methods of the Institute of Archeology of the RAS (109 copies). Most of the products come from the sites Novonikolskoe 1, Petrovka 2, Bogolyubovo 1. The study of the typology of North Kazakhstan metal showed that in the practice of metal production in the region, they adhered to the general standards for the types of tools and weapons (adzes, chisels, knives, sickles, hooks) adopted in the Petrovka communities of the entire area. Such a general stereotypical set of im-plements, inherent in the forest-steppe and steppe cultures of Northern Eurasia, can be explained by the common genetic roots of the carriers of these cultures and by the fact that the metalworking of the circle of chariot cultures inherits the traditions of metal production in the hearths of the northern zone of the CMP. At the same time, the specificity of the production of the hearth of Northern Kazakhstan was discovered, which is associated with the appearance of forms of sickle-plows, hooks, massive knives with a subtriangular blade and an elongated handle, unknown in the monuments of Central Kazakhstan and the Urals, razors with asymmetrical blades. The penetration of these forms into the Ishim region is associated with the Late Yamnaya-Poltavka, Catacomb, Abashevo stereotypes and influences in the process of the genesis of the forest-steppe and steppe metal complex of the Late Bronze Age.
An Overview of Kerr Blackhole
Authors: Sapkota Santosh Ballav
Published: December 2023

In this article, we review about the nature of Kerr Blackhole, Kerr metric and express kerr metric in Boyer-Lindquist co-ordinates.
Estimating Water Balance at Beterou Watershed, Benin Using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model
Authors: Maforikan Ella Sèdé , Hammani Ali , Ahouansou Maurice D. , Anthony-Krueger Christian
Published: December 2023

Sustained water management requires quantitative information and the knowledge of spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological system within the basin. This can be achieved through the research. Several studies have investigated both surface water and groundwater in Beterou catchment. However, there are few published papers on the application of the SWAT modeling in Beterou catchment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of SWAT to simulate the water balance within the watershed. The inputs data consist of digital elevation model, land use maps, soil map, climatic data and discharge records. The model was calibrated and validated using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI2) approach. The calibrated started from 1989 to 2006 with four years warming up period (1985-1988); and validation was from 2007 to 2020. The goodness of the model was assessed using five indices, i.e., Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), the ratio of the root means square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR), percent bias (PBIAS), the coefficient of determination (R²), and Kling Gupta efficiency (KGE). Results showed that SWAT model successfully simulated river flow in Beterou catchment with NSE = 0.79, R2 = 0.80 and KGE= 0.83 for the calibration process against validation process that provides NSE = 0.78, R2 = 0.78 and KGE= 0.85 using site-based streamflow data. The relative error (PBIAS) ranges from -12.2% to 3.1%. The parameters runoff curve number (CN2), Moist Bulk Density (SOL_BD), Base Flow Alpha Factor (ALPHA_BF), and the available water capacity of the soil layer (SOL_AWC) were the most sensitive parameter. The study provides further research with uncertainty analysis and recommendations for model improvement and provision of an efficient means to improve rainfall and discharges measurement data.
Numbers, Facts and Methods, State-of-the-Art, Current Trends and Evaluation of Arguable Claims and Statements — A 2024 Overview
Authors: Ziemer Tim
Published: December 2023

In our discipline, some numbers, facts and methods are established and unquestionable. Still, a credible source is hard to find. Likewise, some state-of-the-art papers do not have the right focus, or they do not point at current research trends and future mission statements. Lastly, reliable resources for claims and statements that are arguable are not always found in the typical journals of our field. The paper at hand solves this issue for our field. Through critical review of a vast amount of journal papers, monographs, handbooks, conference proceedings and theses as well as manuals, textbooks and tutorials, numbers, facts, methods, claims statements, state-of-the-art, research and application trends are reflected and substantiated.
Integrated Waste-to-Energy Process Optimization for Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: A.Gabbar Hossam , Ahmad Muhammad Sajjad
Published: December 2023

Within the past few decades, thousands of experiments have been performed to characterize waste and biomass to estimate the bioenergy potential and product identification. There is a need to develop an integrated process model based on experimental literature, and simulation to obtain suitable products. In this study municipal solid waste (MSW) characterization and integrated process model have been developed to optimize final products in a reactor system. The process model has two modes R&D and reactor control (RC) to obtain suitable products including bio-oil, char, and gases. A database was integrated based on thermokinetics, machine learning and simulation models to optimize product efficiency. The experimental data includes thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Gas chromatography, and Mass spectrometry, which are linked with pyrolysis experimental setup. Feedstock-product mapping models were incorporated into the database along with the temperature, heating rates, elemental analysis, and final product concentration, which are utilized for pyrolysis reactor setup. Product feasibility is conducted based on lifecycle cost, affordability, and product efficiency. The present work will bridge the gap between experimental study and decision making based on obtained products at several experimental conditions around the world.
The Genera Platorchestia and Demaorchestia (Amphipoda, Talitridae, Talitriinae) from Seashores of Japan
Authors: Morino Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Seventy-three male specimens of ”Platorchestia platensis”from Japan were inspected on 13 morphological characters. Most characters revealed high variation. The coxa and propodus of gnathopod 2 and the carpus of pereopod 7 indicated that the specimens comprised two species: Platorchestia pacifica Miyamoto and Morino, 2004 and Demaorchestia joi (Stock and Biernbaum, 1994) sensu lato. Both species were rediagnosed.　Demaorchestia hatakejima Lowry and Myers, 2022 was synonymized to P. pacifica. A key to allied species in Platorchestia and Demaorchestia from Japan and the surrounding countries was given.
Prokletijella montana, n. gen, n. sp., the First Leptodirini with Asymmetric Genitalia (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae)
Authors: Perreau Michel , Hlaváč Peter
Published: December 2023

The new genus and the new edaphic species, Prokletijella montana gen. n., sp. n., from the Prokletije mountains in Montenegro is described and illustrated. This is the first genus in Leptodirini with an asymmetric median lobe of the aedeagus. The phylogenetic relationship with the genus Adelopsella Jeannel, 1908 is discussed. The genus Adelopsella is redescribed to be accurately compared with Prokletijella. The occurrence of asymmetric genitalia in Leptodirini is discussed in relation with the occurrence of such asymmetry in males and females in other tribes of Cholevinae. The geographic distribution of the two genera is discussed in connexion with their phylogenetic relationship and mapped. The synonymy of the two subspecies A. bosnica bosnica and A. bosnica jezerensis Jeannel, 1911 is confirmed.
Validación de los puntajes de una escala de resiliencia para jóvenes de bachillerato en Ciudad Juárez, Chih
Authors: Herrera Varela Bertha , Ponce Renova Héctor Francisco
Published: December 2023

El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en validar los puntajes de una escala de resiliencia para adultos mexicanos, y adaptarla al contexto de los jóvenes adolescentes del Educación Media Superior del CONALEP 1 y 2 en Ciudad Juárez, Chih., México. Para ello se realizó el Análisis Exploratorio de Factores y el Análisis del Alfa de Cronbach, con lo cual se pudo hacer la inferencia de los puntajes y sacar las propiedades psicométricas para poder medir los constructos de Resiliencia en cuestión: 1) Fortaleza y confianza en sí mismos, (2) Competencia social, (3) Apoyo familiar, (4) Apoyo social y (5) Estructura. Los resultados indican que las preguntas y el lenguaje de la encuesta son comprendidos adecuadamente por los estudiantes que respondieron la encuesta para mostrar ciertas propiedades psicométricas. En el Análisis Exploratorio de Factores, los puntajes de los ítems se correlacionan con el constructo que les corresponde, al igual que en el análisis del Alfa de Cronbach, los puntajes cumplen con los mínimos tradicionales de consistencia interna (≥ .70), estos se colocan entre .80 a .92 es decir, entre buenos y excelentes. La encuesta esta lista para ser utilizada en poblaciones con características y en contextos similares.
Visible Light Communication
Authors: Gutiérrez Juan Felipe , Quintero Jesús María
Published: December 2023

This work presents a general and introductory review of visible light communication. Visible light communication or VLC refers to wireless communications using a spectral range from 380 to 780 nm for the transmission of information. This part of the optical-electromagnetic range presents some advantages to current wireless radio frequency technologies, as well as several challenges to its development and application. Different visible light communication systems have been developed for indoor, outdoor, domestic, and industrial fields where the luminaire performs two tasks: general lighting and data transmission, since this type of communication has important and valuable applications. Recently, research has been performed to improve each functional block’s performance that composes this kind of communication system. The incursion VLC poses challenges such as LED bandwidth limited by the carrier lifetime, the LED-Driver Linearity, it’s up-link; the general lighting infrastructure to the internet; and the dimming and general lighting performance. It is concluded that the incursion of Visible Light Communication into the already extended spectrum of wireless communications systems will complement and make it less harmful to our environment as international regulation has helped to improve this technology substantially.
The selection of ventilation devices in children with mild or moderate upper respiratory tract infections: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: liu xiang , tan xiaona , cao hongyan , qiao li , shi jing , shi lei
Published: December 2023

Background: Practicing anesthesia in children with upper respiratory tract infections ( URTI ) increases the risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events ( PRAE ). Several observational trials have shown the supraglottic airway is a potentially alternative for airway management in children. The purpose of the study was to determine the selection of ventilation devices in children with mild or moderate URTI.
Methods: 80 children patients were included with mild or moderate URTI, and received either a laryngeal mask airway ( LMA ) or an endotracheal tube ( ETT ). Patients were observed for the appearance of any complications such as cough, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, breath-holding, postoperative stridor or desaturation less than 90% at the following times: induction of anesthesia, tube placement, during surgery, during tube removal, and in the postanesthesia care unit ( PACU ).
Results: 41 children had PRAE in this study. Children receiving an endotracheal tube were more likely to have a PRAE than those who received a LMA (29 [72.5%] vs 12 [31.5%]; risk ratio ( RR )0.417, 95% confidence interval ( CI ), 0.248–0.701, P<0.0001). There was a significantly lower incidence of minor PRAE in the LMA group compared with the ETT group during intraoperatively ( RR 0.364, 95% CI 0.192-0.688, P=0.0001 ). There were differences between groups with respect to the incidence of perioperative cough ( P = 0.043 ) and desaturation ( P = 0.031 ).
Conclusions: The supraglottic airway reduced the incidence of coughing, bronchospasm, and oxygen desaturation, and provided an acceptable alternative to the ETT in children with mild or moderate URTI.
Trial registration: This randomized controlled trial was approved by the ethics committee of children's hospital of hebei province (Number:165) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR1900025530 ); The full date of first trial registration in the format(31/08/2019).
Study on the changes of soil inorganic carbon after afforestation in arid sandy land of Alxa
Authors: Zhu Xinglin , Si Jianhua , Jia Bing , He Xiaohui , Zhou Dongmeng , Wang Chunlin , Qin Jie , Liu Zijin
Published: December 2023

Alxa is a region with severe land desertification and extreme ecological fragility in China. The plantation in the area has effectively curbed the desertification of the local land. However, Studies on soil inorganic carbon（SIC）dynamics after sandy land afforestation are still relatively few. Understanding SIC profiles' distribution and stock changes after afforestation is essential for assessing regional, continental, and global soil carbon sink potential. Using 5, 11, 22, and 46 years of Haloxylon ammodendron (H. ammodendron) plantations and control sands (MS) in the Alxa region, we studied the variation characteristics of SIC with increasing stand age from 0 to 300 cm. Within the 0-300 cm soil layer, SIC storage increased significantly after afforestation, with 46yrs increasing by 6.52 kg m-2 compared to MS. SIC sequestration rate (CSR) decreased with increasing stand age, in the order of 5yrs（0.054 kg m-2 yr-1）＞11yrs（0.025 kg m-2 yr-1）＞22yrs（0.016 kg m-2 yr-1）＞46yrs（0.009 kg m-2 yr-1）. The 100~300 cm SIC storage accounts for over 60% of the SIC pool. Soil carbon pool estimation will be largely underestimated if only the shallow SIC is considered.
Evaluation of livestock manure-bearing effect and biogas potential in Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Chang zhen , Zhao XingLing , Wu Kai , Zhang Jian , Liang Chengyue , Wang Changmei , Yang Bin , Yin Fang , Zhang Yunjie , Zhang Wudi
Published: December 2023

Improving the manure resource reuse rate is urgently needed for the animal husbandry industry in Yunnan Province. The daily production and pollutant content coefficients of livestock and poultry manure and urine were used to calculate livestock and poultry waste discharge and the content of substantial pollutants, based on the year-end livestock and poultry breeding inventory in Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2020. Nitrogen and phosphorus carrying capacities, total manure carrying capacities, and bearing early warning values per unit of cultivated land area were measured. The biogas potential was estimated by measuring the daily biogas production from livestock manure. The results showed that the total carrying capacity of livestock and poultry pollution in Yunnan Province was approximately 20.51–25.83 t/hm2, the bearing early warning value was constantly at level II (low potential environmental risk), and the average annual manure biogas production was 4.73 billion m3. This translates to an average annual gross domestic product potential of 4.24 billion yuan. Thus, the province should improve the reuse rate of manure and reduce pollution on cultivated land while developing livestock and poultry breeding.
PAPVC with TS—Surgically managed with bilateral ectopic drainage ：a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhuang Zhulun , Yang Xun , Zhao Yuhang , Shi Mengfan , Mo Xuming , Qi Jirong
Published: December 2023

Background Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a congenital anomaly disease, which is more common on the right side and rarely involves the left .Turner syndrome(TS)is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in humans,and about half of people with TS have congenital or acquired cardiovascular disease.This is the only case of PAPVC with TS in our hospital in more than 70 years, and the disease is extremely rare internationally. We analyzed and studied these two unexpected related diseases from the aspects of clinical diagnosis and surgery, hoping to provide help for the research of TS disease in the cardiovascular field.Case presentation We report an unusual type of bilateral PAPVC, involving the right superior pulmonary veins(RSPV) draining into the superior vena cava(SVC)and the left superior pulmonary veins(LSPV) flowing into the left brachiocephalic vein(LBV) in a young child who was eventually diagnosed with TS.There is an intact intracardiac structure and no other obvious manifestations except for unexplained short stature.The child underwent successful surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support, behaving good recovery and was discharged on 8 days.Conclusions: Our findings identified a novel pattern of pulmonary venous variation in patients with TS and provide new insights in the large vascular neighborhood of the heart.Thanks to advances in image-assisted diagnosis and chromosomal karyotyping, this child was diagnosed at an early stage of the disease, avoiding the occurrence of poor prognosis. We should exclude the presence of PAPVC in TS patients, strengthen the understanding of the disease, develop individualized surgical treatment plan, so as to shun medical errors.
Effects of zokor mounds on the stability of soil micro-foodweb in lightly disturbed alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Nian Lili , Li Liangliang , Yang Yingbo , Zhang Xiaoning , Liu Xingyu , Nian Zuobin , Liu Xiaoyu , Wu Yingying , Zhao Qiqi , Liu Xuelu
Published: December 2023

The plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) is a subterranean rodent endemic to the alpine meadow of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Zokor mound building changes plant communities and soil conditions. In our study, the soil soil microorganisms and nematode communities, and soil physicochemical properties in the zokor mounds with dominant plant groups Potentilla anserina (PM), Leontopodium leontopodioides (LM) and naked new zokor mound (NM) were investigated in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Chao1 index and Shannon diversity index of bacteria and nematodes in PM were higher than those in other treatments. At the same time, the Chao1 index of fungi in PM was also higher. However, fungal Shannon diversity index, total nematode metabolic footprint, bacterivorous nematode metabolic footprint and omnivorous predatory nematode metabolic footprint were higher in NM. The metabolic footprint of plant-parasitic nematodes in LM was higher than that of other treatments. The functional metabolic footprint, enrichment index and structural index of soil nematodes all showed the order of NM > CK > PM > LM, indicating that the soil micro-foodweb structure of NM is relatively stable. Energy flow analysis showed that bacterial and fungal energy flow channels were dominant in PM, while plant energy flow channels had the highest proportion in LM, indicating that soil food web energy conversion and utilization efficiency in PM was higher. In addition, we found that the NM soil micro-foodweb was dominated by fungal decomposition, while PM was dominated by bacterial decomposition. Furthermore, bottom-up effects of nutrients in zokor mounds of different vegetation types determine the structure and activity of these pathways.
Study of Correlation of machining performance and geometrical tolerances of Si3N4 -TiN composites using EDM process
Authors: Manikandan K. P. , Thirugnanam S. , Selvarajan L. , TS SENTHILKUMAR
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research work is to enhance the machining characteristics and geometrical tolerances of Si3N4–TiN ceramic composite using a copper electrode as the EDM tool. The investigation encompassed a comprehensive exploration of various machining parameters, including polarity, current (amp), pulse on time (µs), pulse off time (µs), dielectric pressure (Kg/cm2), gap voltage (v), spark gap (mm), and servo speed (m/s), utilizing a Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Throughout the EDM process, meticulous scrutiny was applied to output characteristics such as material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), wear ratio (WR), surface roughness (Ra), top radial overcut (ROC-Top), bottom radial overcut (ROC-Bottom), top diameter of the drilled hole, bottom diameter of the drilled hole, taper angle (Ѳ), circularity (CIR), cylindricity (CYL), perpendicularity (PER), and runout (RO). The higher pulse current promotes the formation of a stable plasma channel which results in increasing the material removal rate. The improved flushing action helps to minimize the recast layer, leading to a smoother surface finish and reduced surface roughness. The experimental results demonstrate that as the spark gap increases from 0.18mm to 0.25mm, the Runout, Electrode Wear Rate, ROC Bottom, ROC Top, and Taper Angle drastically reduce.
A machine learning approach to Nemrut Dağ and Bingöl Obsidians: non-invasive and non-destructive geochemical analyses for provenance source of Tulūl al Baqarat tools (Iraq)
Authors: Vaggelli Gloria , Cossio Roberto , Borghi Alessandro , Lippolis Carlo
Published: December 2023

A machine learning approach to Nemrut Dağ and Bingöl geological obsidians was performed to determine the provenance of source material of nine obsidian blades from the archaeological site of Tulūl al Baqarat (Iraq). Obsidians tools have been chemically analysed with a non-invasive and non-destructive approach by a low vacuum SEM-EDS microprobe for determining major and minor elements and by a bench-to-top micro-XRF for trace elements. To identify the supply volcanic complex which produced the blocks from which they were knapped, a geochemical identification of Turkish obsidian sources, from the volcano to the artefact samples, was carried out introducing the use of the machine learning approach as exhaustive discriminative approach with complementary well-known geochemical comparisons and Principal Component Analysis. Obsidian tools show a rather homogeneous comendite and peraluminous rhyolite composition with an high Zr amount which excludes most obsidian outcrops in Turkish and Armenian volcanic sites as original obsidian sources. However, only using a machine learning approach to major, minor and trace elements, the obsidian tools have resulted geochemically comparable to Nemrut Dağ mild alkaline rhyolitic obsidians from pre-caldera eruptions, and now outcropping inside the caldera and in Sicaksu exposure. This source provenance from Nemrut Dağ stratovolcano in South-eastern Turkey, located near the Turkish route of the Tigris River, supports the evidence of a network of trade and broad exchange since 4th Millennium from Turkey and the South Near East, presumably through the basins of the Tigris and Euphrates to the shores of the Persian Gulf.
The disulfidptosis-related signature associated with the tumor environment and prognosis of patients with Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qiuhuan , mo chongde , Wei Suosu , Liu Fei , HOU Qiyan , Long Haibin , Zhu zhou , Dong Chenchen , Dong Lingguang , Yang Jianrong
Published: December 2023

Background: Disulfidptosis, a novel form of metabolism-associated regulated cell death (RCD), is a promising target for therapeutic intervention in cancer. However, the molecular subtypes associated with disulfidptosis, as well as the associated metabolomics and immune microenvironment, have not been fully explored in a comprehensive analysis of the prognostic profile of colon cancer.
Methods: Based on the differences in the expression of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs), patients with colon cancer(COAD) were divided into different subtypes by consensus clustering. Through univariate regression analysis and LASSO-Cox regression analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among three subtypes, we constructed and validated a DRG risk score to predict the prognosis of patients with COAD, while also identifying three gene subtypes. Analysis of DRG risk score, clinical characteristics, tumor microenvironment (TME), somatic cell mutations, and immunotherapy sensitivity revealed significant correlations between them. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression levels of risk model prognostic signature genes in colon cancer specimens.
Results: Based on the differences in the expression of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs), patients with colon cancer(COAD) were divided into different subtypes by consensus clustering. Through univariate regression analysis and LASSO-Cox regression analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among three subtypes, we constructed and validated a DRG risk score to predict the prognosis of patients with COAD, while also identifying three gene subtypes. Analysis of DRG risk score, clinical characteristics, tumor microenvironment (TME), somatic cell mutations, and immunotherapy sensitivity revealed significant correlations between them. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression levels of risk model prognostic signature genes in colon cancer specimens.
Conclusion: We identified 10 disulfide death prognostic signature genes that can help clinicians predict the prognosis of colon cancer patients and provide reference value for targeted therapy.
Plasma catalytic non-oxidative conversion of methane into hydrogen and light hydrocarbons
Authors: Gang Yonggang , Long Yanhui , Wang Kaiyi , Zhang Yilin , Ren Xuping , Zhang Hao , Li Xiaodong D.
Published: December 2023

Recently, direct non-oxidative conversion of methane (NOCM) into hydrogen and light hydrocarbons has garnered considerable attention. In our work, we employed a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma over a GaN/SBA15 catalyst for NOCM. Adding catalyst to plasma remarkably promotes the conversion of CH4, resulting in a significant improvement, for instance, from 27.8–39.2%. A systematic investigation of plasma performance at different discharge powers with and without catalyst was conducted. In the case of plasma + 15wt% GaN/SBA15, CH4 conversion reaches an impressive 79.4%. However, it exhibits the lowest selectivity of 14.4% for C2+, while achieving the highest selectivity for hydrogen at 48.9%. Several characterization methods, including XRD, SEM, BET, XPS, and TPO-MS, were used to study the mechanism of the reaction. Plasma electrons and ions can effectively interact with activated CH3 radicals, promoting their adsorption onto Ga sites on the catalyst surface. Simultaneously, hydrogen atoms adsorb onto neighboring N atoms, rapidly delocalizing to produce H2, and the delocalization of hydrogen atoms in C species leads to the formation of species like CxHy. This study highlights the potential of plasma catalysis in significantly improving CH4 conversion at lower temperatures and atmospheric pressure.
Prevalence and Determinants of Moderate-to-Severe Anaemia in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: OKUNADE Kehinde S. , OLOWOSELU Festus O. , OYEDEJI Olufemi A. , OSHODI Yusuf A. , UGWU Aloy O. , OLUMODEJI Ayokunle , ADEJIMI Adebola A. , ADENEKAN Muisi A. , OJO Temitope , ADEMUYIWA Iyabo Y. , ADARAMOYE Victoria , OKORO Austin C. , OLOWE Atinuke O. , ADELABU Hameed , AKINMOLA Olukayode O. , YUSUF Salmah , OLUWOLE Ayodeji A.
Published: December 2023

Background
The high burden of anaemia during pregnancy underscores the urgent need to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to its widespread occurrence.
Objectives
Our study assessed the prevalence of moderate-to-severe anaemia (MSA) in late pregnancy (28 to 36 weeks) and investigated the key determinants driving this prevalence among women in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods
We conducted a secondary data analysis involving 1216 women enrolled in the Predict-PPH study between January and March 2023. We employed a multivariate binary logistic regression model with a backward stepwise selection approach to identify significant predictors of MSA.
Results
The study revealed a 14.5% prevalence of MSA during pregnancy. Independent predictors of MSA included having given birth to two or more children (adjusted odds ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–2.07), having a maternal body mass index (BMI) of 28 kg/m2 or higher (adjusted odds ratio = 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–2.61), having less than tertiary education (adjusted odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.11), and being unemployed (adjusted odds ratio = 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.19–3.26).
Conclusion
Regular antenatal care is paramount, especially for pregnant women with higher parities and elevated BMI, as it allows for monitoring of their haemoglobin status and nutritional needs. Moreover, addressing the connection between low education, unemployment, poverty, and anaemia necessitates the implementation of comprehensive strategies that empower women in terms of education and economic status to help break the cycle of poverty and enhance the overall well-being of individuals and communities, ultimately reducing the prevalence of anaemia and associated health issues in pregnancy.
Skull bone osteomyelitis in a sickler with acute soft head syndrome managed surgically; A rare case report
Authors: Elzain Mohammed Awad , Osman Modathir Mohammed , Siddig Mohammed Hashim , Hajo Mohamed Ibrahim , Ali Mohammed Altair , Omar Omar Alsheikh , Moussa Zaghloul Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Acute soft head syndrome is an extremely rare complication of sickle cell disease that mostly affects children and young persons. It occurs due to focal necrosis of skull bone secondary to occlusion of blood supply to that region by micro-thrombi. Upon reviewing the literature, only 3 cases were reported and the three of them were managed conservatively. In this paper we would like to present a rare case with acute soft head syndrome as the 1st case with acute soft head syndrome that is been managed surgically. Case description: A 17 years old young male, known case of sickle anemia presented with spontaneous forehead swelling for about 10 days duration and pus discharge from the forehead swelling. CT-brain reported Left frontal scalp soft tissue mass with infiltration and destructive changes to the underlying frontal bone. There was no intracranial extension. CT with contrast showed septations with enhancement of the walls of the subgaleal collection and enhancement of the underlying dura. The abscess was evacuated, the bone was looking infected and the periosteum also was unhealthy looking, therefore both were excised. The inner table and outer table were involved at different levels, the abnormal bone was nibbled away until normal edges were encountered. Histopathology revealed XANTHOGRANULOMATOUS INFLAMMATION WITH FIBROPLASTIC REACTION AND CONGESTION COMPATIBLE WITH ORGANIZING ABSCESS. The patient was discharged in a good shape, with intact neurological function, GCS 15/15 afebrile and healthy-looking surgical wound. He was scheduled for elective cranioplasty with custom-made bone flap later on on elective basis. Conclusion: This case represents a unique presentation of these conditions with osteomyelitis other than the usual presentation with necrosis. This draws our attention to the fact that not all of these cases can be managed conservatively. Brain imaging with contrast is an important diagnostic tool that can pick up the cases that might need surgical intervention. The early surgical intervention fasten patient’s recovery and prevents the spread of infection if any. More studies need to be carried out to establish international guidelines for managing this rare condition.
Multi-locus sequence analysis indicates potential cryptic speciation in the chigger mite Neoschoengastia gallinarum (Hatori, 1920) parasitizing birds in Asia
Authors: Rajasegaran Praveena , Koosakulnirand Sirikamon , Tan Kim-Kee , Khoo Jing Jing , Suliman Youseuf , Mansor Mohammad Saiful , Khusaini Mohd K. S. Ahmad , AbuBakar Sazaly , Chaisiri Kittipong , Morand Serge , Ya’cob Zubaidah , Makepeace Ben
Published: December 2023

Background
Chigger mites (Acari, Trombiculidae) cause trombiculiasis in terrestrial vertebrates worldwide and some species are also disease vectors. Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum across its geographic range are poorly understood.
Methods
Neoschoengastia gallinarum larvae were collected from four species of galliform birds (encompassing free-ranging domestic, free wild, or captive wild) across four locations in Peninsular Malaysia, and from domestic chickens only from one location in Thailand. The population genetic structure of N. gallinarum was inferred from concatenated mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequences, including a comparison with previously published data from southeastern China. The Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) methods were applied to assess evidence for cryptic divergence, and statistical parsimony (TCS) networks were used to determine relationships between haplotypes.
Results
Multi-locus sequence analysis revealed two monophyletic clades composed of specimens from Peninsular Malaysia or Thailand, while data from China formed a subgroup that was partially nested in the Thailand clade. Both the ABGD and ASAP methods divided the specimens into three operational taxonomic units: (1) all Peninsular Malaysia sequences, (2) Thailand sequences + China minor clade, and (3) China major clade. Correspondingly, the minimum spanning network displayed a high genetic distance between the Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand populations, and a total of 16 haplotypes were identified. Analysis of molecular variance revealed striking genetic divergence among the two populations (96.41%), which was further supported by the absence of gene flow (Nm = 0.01). The level of gene flow appeared to be higher within the Peninsular Malaysia population as indicated by a lower genetic distance (FST).
Conclusions
In conclusion, despite the two countries sharing a land border, the Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand populations of N. gallinarum appear to be genetically segregated and may represent distinct cryptic species.
The mediating role of resilience and interaction anxiousness in the effects of physical activity on mobile phone addiction among college students
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Xiao Wen , Liu Bowen , Yu Jingxuan , Zheng Kangyong , Shi Qiuqiong , Ren Zhanbing
Published: December 2023

Background
Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity (PA) can positively influence mobile phone addiction (MPA) behaviors in college students. However, it remains unknown whether this effect is mediated by other factors. Evidence suggests that resilience and interaction anxiousness may be candidate mediators that partly explain the positive effect of PA on MPA. This study aims to explore the impact of PA on MPA through a mediation model, and the role of resilience and interaction anxiousness in this relationship.
Methods
The participants were 590 college students (272 males; mean age = 19.67) who completed a psychosocial battery, including the international physical activity questionnaire—short form (IPAQ-SF), the connor - davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), the interaction anxiousness scale (IAS), and the mobile phone addiction index (MPAI). Correlations of variables were computed using Pearson’s test. Mediation models were tested using SPSSS PROCESS macro with the regression bootstrapping method.
Results
PA were negatively associated with MPA behavior. Resilience and interaction anxiousness moderated the relationship between PA and MPA. More importantly, PA could also influence MPA through the chain-mediating effects of resilience and interaction anxiousness.
Conclusion
It is essential to improve resilience and reduce interaction anxiousness to reduce MPA problems through regular engagement in PA among college students.
NPDI-BcCov: A Network Pharmacology Approach for Simultaneous Inference of Drugs Targeting Breast Cancer and COVID-19
Authors: Huang Zhijian , Xue Jinsong , Zhao Xiangqian , Qiu Xiaoting , Zhang Chenglong , Yang Jingwen , Yang Yong , Tong Shanhe , Li Nani , Yang Jialiang
Published: December 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a significant threat to public health, especially for individuals battling cancer. It is crucial to prioritize the care and attention given to breast cancer patients who have also infected with COVID-19, as they face a higher risk of severe outcomes compared to the general population. These patients typically undergo concurrent treatment for both conditions, which can be risky due to potential drug interactions and adverse effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify drugs that can effectively target both breast cancer and COVID-19. In this study, we have developed a novel computational framework called Network Pharmacology-based Drug Inference for Breast Cancer and COVID-19 (NPDI-BcCov). Our framework aims to identify genes associated with both breast cancer and COVID-19, as well as drugs that target these specific genes. To achieve this, we identified 132 genes by overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with breast cancer in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and genes associated with COVID-19 in Genecards. Among these genes, we identified 6 prognostic-related genes (NCAM1, AMH, MYOM2, IGHE, PPP2R2C, and PLK1) using both COX and LASSO regression methods. Moreover, we developed an enhanced risk scoring model based on these 6 prognostic genes and proposed a nomogram to verify the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics, risk score, and prognosis. Additionally, we screened for potential drugs targeting these genes and found several drugs for the gene PLK1, with luteolin being prioritized due to its anti-viral and antioxidant properties. We also observed significant differences in tumor mutation burden (TMB) and gene mutation profiles between high-PLK1 and low-PLK1 expression groups. Furthermore, we discovered a strong hydrogen bond between luteolin and PLK1 in their three-dimensional structure, suggesting a close molecular interaction. Finally, we explored the biomedical function and therapeutic mechanism of luteolin in BRCA/COVID-19 patients. Overall, our study presents the first evidence highlighting luteolin as a potential drug for the simultaneous treatment of patients with both breast cancer and COVID-19.
Cross-modal Deep Learning for Predicting Atomic Force Microscopy From Optical Microscope Images
Authors: Rajesh M. , Santhoshkumar R. , Arumugam Mahendran , JawaherlalNehru G. , Rajalingam B.
Published: December 2023

In the experimental section, we demonstrate a unique approach to predicting atomic force microscopy (AF-Mic) topography from optical microscope (OptM) images by employing a fully convolutional, multi-domain autoencoder model. Topography prediction, morphology analysis, and dynamic topography transformation simulation are all made possible by the autoencoder's ability to modify input data by extracting significant features and expressing them in an enhanced fashion. The model is detailed with encoder and decoder components, optimised for various OptM image resolutions. There are three main parts to the training process: predicting the topography using the AF-Mic, analysing the morphology quantitatively, and simulating the topography's dynamic changes. Improved performance is shown after transfer learning is put into practise. When making graphene oxide nanoribbons (GON), the autoencoder is used to foretell how the material's surface would change throughout production. Accurate topographical prediction, categorization based on morphological traits, and modelling of topography transformation are only a few of the strengths of this technology, which together constitute a robust framework for grasping and keeping tabs on dynamic surface changes. Results show promise for the proposed autoencoder-based simulation to be useful in domains outside those using GON structures, while also highlighting the simulation method's relative ease of use and cost-effectiveness when compared to more conventional approaches.
Acidic FGF facilitates recovery in motor score in AIS A spinal cord injured patients
Authors: Chang Wan-Ya , Huang Wen-Cheng , Tsai Yun-An , Yang Lin-Hsue , Su Yi-Tien , Huang Shih-Fong , Huang Chiau-Li , Lee Ya-Hui , Hsu Shu-Shong , Fay Li-Yu
Published: December 2023

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that may uphold neuronal survival in the injured spinal cord. It has been reported to promote functional recovery in open-label clinical studies. The first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to verify aFGF’s efficacy and safety in SCI patients. Patients with AIS Grade A or B SCI were randomized into two arms and given either aFGF or placebo every 4 weeks for total 3 doses. All patients were evaluated for medical, neurological, and functional changes at baseline, then every 4 weeks after the first dose of aFGF/placebo until 48 weeks. The first dose was administered directly to the injured site at the surgery within 6 weeks after SCI, and the 2nd and 3rd doses were given through lumbar puncture. Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic the study ended prematurely; nevertheless, explorative analyses revealed encouraging signals of the beneficial effect of aFGF albeit with a limited sample size. This is the first clinical report showing that aFGF may reduce myelomalacia and accelerate motor recovery in complete SCI patients with a significantly higher chance to achieve a 10-point improvement (Odds ratio = 6.06). Further studies to validate aFGF’s clinical efficacy are warranted.
Case Report: A Case of Renal Cell Carcinoma Unclassified With Multi-organ Invasion
Authors: rui yang , Jiang Xiao-Lu , Sun Jia-Ning , Pan Yu , Zhang Feng , Chen Xin , Sun Wei-Cheng , Zhao Hong-Wei
Published: December 2023

Background Most unclassified renal cell carcinoma (RCC) pressent with high-grade histologic features or distant metastasis and are reported to have lower survival rates. We present a rare case of multi-organ invasion from unclassified RCC with good prognosis, to increase knowledge of the characteristics for unclassified RCC.Case Presentation A 66-year-old female presented with an incidentally detected left renal mass on a health examination. The patient had no obvious symptoms and had past medical history of hypertension. CT scans show a mixed tissue density mass located at the higher pole of the left kidney, with a range of 89*68 mm. The tumor boundary was not clear based on imaging findings, which may invading the retroperitoneum, spleen and part of the pancreas. Therefore a multiorgan resection, including left kidney, spleen, pancreatic body and tail, was performed. The final pathology confirmed unclassified renal cell carcinoma which involved the left adrenal gland and pancreas. Sunitinib and penpulimab were administered to the patient and follow-up date showed no symptom of further progression.Conclusion Unclassified RCC is a rare malignant tumor with poor prognosis and the definite diagnosis relies on the pathology. For patients with advanced unclassified RCC, multiple organ resection is worthwhile with careful patient selection.
Surgical intervention for Mitral Stenosis: Temporal changes in patient characteristics, incidence, and mortality: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Due Hans T. , Petersen Jeppe K. , Meulengracht Daniel E. , Smerup Morten H. , Schmidt Michael R. , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil , Østergaard Lauge
Published: December 2023

Aims:

To examine temporal changes in patient characteristics, incidence rate of surgery, and three-year mortality rate for patients undergoing surgery for mitral valve stenosis in Denmark (2001-2021)..
Methods and results:
Utilizing Danish nationwide registries, we identified all adult patients undergoing first-time MS-intervention (2001-2021). Temporal changes across calendar periods were investigated (2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2021). Using Kaplan-Meier estimates, we computed temporal changes in three-year all-cause mortality across calendar periods. With multivariable Cox regression analysis, we assessed adjusted rates of mortality.
We included 256 patients (median age 60.3 years, 31.3% males). A decrease in the burden of chronic heart failure was identified (2001-2005:54%, and 2016-2021:20%, p-value<0.001), while the burden of atrial fibrillation seemed stable around 1 in 2. A decrease in rate of surgery was observed: 3.3 cases/million person-years (2001-2005), and 2.2 (2016-2021). The in-hospital mortality was 8.6% and the three-year mortality after discharge was 9.0%. We found no difference over calendar periods in crude estimates or adjusted analysis.
Conclusion:
From nationwide data (2001-2021), we identified the incidence of surgery, decreased significantly within the past 20 years while all-cause mortality remained stable. The burden of heart failure decreased while the burden of atrial fibrillation remained stable.