bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A geospatial analysis of local intermediate snail host distributions provides insight into schistosomiasis risk within under-sampled areas of southern Lake Malawi
Authors: Reed Amber Lydia , Al-Harbi Mohammad H , Makaulai Peter , Condemine Charlotte , Hesketh Josie , Archer John , Jones Sam , Kayuni Sekeleghe A , Musaya Janelisa , Stanton Michelle C , Stothard J Russell , Fronterre Claudio , Jewell Christopher
Published: February 2024

Background: Along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, the incidence of schistosomiasis is increasing with snails of the genera Bulinus and Biomphalaria transmitting urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, respectively. Since the underlying distribution of snails is partially known, often being focal, developing pragmatic spatial models that interpolate snail information across under-sampled regions is required to understand and assess current and future risk of schistosomiasis.
Methods: A secondary geospatial analysis of recently collected malacological and environmental survey data was undertaken. Using a Bayesian Poisson latent Gaussian process model abundance data were fitted for Bulinus and Biomphalaria. Interpolating the abundance of snails along the shoreline (given their relative distance along the shoreline ∼x km) was achieved by smoothing, using extracted environmental rainfall, land surface temperature (LST), evapotranspiration, normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil type covariate data for all predicted locations. Our adopted model used a combination of two-dimensional (2D) and one dimensional (1D) mapping.
Results: A significant association between normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and abundance of Bulinus spp. was detected [log risk ratio -0.83, 95% CI: -1.57, -0.09]. A qualitatively similar association was found between NDVI and Biomphalaria spp. but was not statistically significant [log risk ratio -1.42, 95% CI:-3.09, 0.10]. All other environmental data considered were non-significant.
Conclusions: The spatial range in which interpolation of snail distributions is possible appears less than y km, owing to fine-scale biotic and abiotic heterogeneities. The forthcoming challenge is to refine geospatial sampling frameworks with future opportunities to map schistosomiasis within actual or predicted snail distributions which might better reveal the environmental transmission possibilities.
Predicting Cryptocurrency Prices during Periods of Conflict: A Comparative Sentiment Analysis Approach Using SVM, CNN-LSTM, and PySentimento
Authors: Rateb Muhammad Nabil , Alansary Sameh , Elzouka Marwa Khamis , Galal Mohamad
Published: February 2024

Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool for extracting valuable insights from social media data. In this paper, more than one million tweets spanning three months (March, June, and December 2022) regarding three cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB) during the Russian-Ukrainian War are considered. Two models, a convolutional neural network with long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) and a support vector machine (SVM) with GloVe and TF-IDF features, are trained on a labeled dataset of more than fifty thousand tweets about Bitcoin labeled as (positive, negative, and neutral). A pretrained model (Pysentimento) for sentiment analysis is also employed to compare the performances of the three models. The models are tested on the labeled dataset and then evaluated on the unlabeled tweets, revealing that Pysentimento's level of accuracy outperforms the other two models. Google Trends, along with the opening and closing prices, and the volume of the three cryptocurrencies, in addition to the results of Pysentimento sentiment classification, are employed to apply the Pearson correlation coefficient and conduct price prediction analysis using the SARIMA model. It is found that Bitcoin may appeal to those seeking stability and a known record of accomplishment, while Binance Coin and Ethereum may attract investors looking for more diverse opportunities. Sentiment analysis using machine learning is found to provide invaluable information for cryptocurrency price forecasting and trading strategies, especially in the context of geopolitical events and market volatility.
Spinal infections? mNGS combined with microculture and pathology for answers
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Liu Yonghong , Huang Shengsheng , Pang Zixiang , Wei Qian , Liu Yuzhen , Qin Hongyuan , Chen Yuanming
Published: February 2024

Background
This study focuses on the efficacy of genome sequencing technology (mNGS) in diagnosing infections of the spine and the development of therapeutic regimens combining mNGS, microbiological cultures, and pathological investigations to provide new perspectives for the treatment of spinal infections.
Methods
Data were collected on 108 patients with suspected spinal infections between January 2022 and December 2023. Lesion tissues were obtained through C-arm assisted puncture or open surgery for mNGS, conventional microbiological culture, or pathological analysis. Treatment plans involving personalized antimicrobial therapy were tailored based on mNGS findings, microbial cultures, and pathological analysis, with a follow-up evaluation 7 days postoperatively. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS for detecting spinal infection pathogens, as well as its impact on treatment and prognosis, were assessed based on the final clinical outcomes.
Results
In the diagnosis of spinal infections, the positive detection rate of mNGS (61.20%) was significantly higher than that of conventional microbiological culture (30.80%) and PCT (28%). The sensitivity (79.41%) and negative predictive value (63.16%) of mNGS were substantially greater than those of cultures (25% and 22.58%, respectively), with no significant difference in specificity and positive predictive value. Seven days post-surgery, a notable reduction in the percentage of neutrophils (NEUT%) was observed, while decreases in white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were not statistically significant. At the last follow-up, there was a significant decrease in all patients' Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores.
Conclusion
The efficacy of mNGS technology surpasses traditional microbiological culture in pathogen detection, exhibiting superior performance particularly in identifying rare and critical pathogens. Treatment protocols combining mNGS, microbiological cultures and pathological examinations are effective in the treatment of spinal infections and provide a valuable clinical reference.
Chalcogen Effects and Cathodic Properties of Scandium-based Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Panigrahi Rachita , Mallik Bhabani
Published: February 2024

Sodium-ion batteries emerged as a sustainable alternative to overcome the cost, availability, safety, and energy density concerns challenged by existing commercialized lithium-ion battery technology. This paper focuses on modeling new layered sodium scandium chalcogenides (O, S, and Se) as electrode materials for large-scale energy storage. We examined and compared the structural, electronic, cathodic, and transport properties of NaScX2 layered materials. The calculated energy barrier for Na-ion diffusion decreases, i.e., 0.7 and 0.57 eV from oxide to selenides. As we go to the higher ionic radii of divalent anions, it shows higher electric polarizability. NaScO2 has a high theoretical capacity of 268 mAhg-1. Hence, layered selenide has a higher capability to deform the electron charge density of anion by the nearby Na cations. This influences the mobility of diffusing alkali metal cations.
A Descriptive Study on Diagnostic Timelines, and Factors Influencing Delayed Diagnosis Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients at Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Lalango Fiona , Kabagenyi Fiona , Seguya Amina , Byaruhanga Richard , Otiti Jeff
Published: February 2024

Background
Many patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often present with advanced disease. This may result from delay in deciding to seek care, delay in reaching the healthcare facility and or delay in accessing care in the healthcare facility. We therefore set out to determine the time to definitive diagnosis and factors associated with delayed diagnosis among patients with HNC at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at UCI, patients with HNC were recruited. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic factors and clinical characteristics, including timelines in months, from symptom onset to deciding to seek care, to reaching the health care facility and to definitive diagnosis. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the factors of association with delayed diagnosis.
Results
We recruited 160 HNC patients, and 134 patients were analyzed. The median age was 49.5 years IQR 26.5, 70% (94 of 134) were male, 48% (69 of 134) had below secondary school education, 49% (65 of 134) had a household income < 54 USD and 56% (76 of 134) were sole bread winners, 67%(89 of 134) had good access road condition to the nearest health unit and 70% (91 of 134 ) presented with tumor stage 4. Median time from onset of symptoms to definitive diagnosis was 8.1 months, IQR 15.1 and 70% (87 of 134) of patients had delayed diagnosis. Good access roads (aOR: 0.26, p = 0.006), secondary school education (aOR: 0.17, p = 0.038), and household income > 136 USD (aOR: 0.27, p = 0.043) were associated with lower odds of delayed diagnosis. Being the sole bread winner (aOR: 2.15, p = 0.050) increased the odds of delayed diagnosis
Conclusion
Most of HNC patients (65%) at UCI had delayed diagnosis. It is essential to implement public awareness campaigns focusing on HNC symptoms and signs, establish a national care pathway for individuals with suspected HNC and consider rotation of Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons to underserved regions, to mitigate diagnostic delay.
The comparison of treatment outcomes between combined chemotherapy-radiation therapy (Chemo-RT) and radiation therapy alone (RT) in intracranial germ cell tumor in adolescent and young adult patients (AYA)
Authors: Rongthong Warissara , Suntornpong Nan , Thephamongkhol Kullathorn , Treechairusame Teeradon
Published: February 2024

Background
The incidence of Intracranial germ cell tumor(iGCT) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) is less common that in pediatric patients. However, the recurrent rate of iGCT in AYA (7.6%) is higher than children (2%). Because iGCT in AYA population are lacking randomized trials to standardize the treatment. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the practice patterns and outcomes of iGCT in AYA.
Methods
This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients with IGCT aged 15 to 39 years were managed at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand from 2007 to 2019. The charts were reviewed and compared outcome between who received Chemo-RT and RT alone.
Results
The median follow-up time was 7.6 years. Eighty-four patients were included in this study: 60 germinomas, 24 NGGCT patients. In the case of NGGCT, the 5-year and 10-year EFS/OS were 100% and 100% in RT alone. In RT plus chemotherapy, the 5-year and 10-year EFS were 67.57% and 54.05%. The 5-year and 10-year OS were 68.44% and 68.44%. For germinoma, the 5-year and 10-year EFS were 95.83% and 76.87% in RT alone. The 5-year and 10-year OS were 95.83% and 86.40%. Whereas in RT plus chemotherapy, the 5-year and 10-year EFS were 73.33% and 69.63%. The 5-year and 10-year OS were 85.10% and 69.63%.
Conclusions
We report the outcomes with different approaches of patients in AYA with iGCT to our knowledge. In our series, the patient who received chemotherapy had no survival benefit and probably worsen survival in both NGCCT and pure germinoma.
Evaluation of the relationship between pulmonary artery volume and quantitative voxel based flow parameters in patients with and without pulmonary hypertension using 4D flow MRI
Authors: Koike Hirofumi , Sueyoshi Eijun , Nishimura Takamasa , Morikawa Minoru , Miyazaki Shohei
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Four-dimensional (4D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to determine abnormal blood flow in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), but the relationship between abnormal blood flow and pulmonary artery volume is unclear. This study aimed to quantify pulmonary artery volume and flow parameters using 4D flow MRI, and to evaluate their relationship in patients with PH and in those without PH.
Methods
We retrospectively studied 177 patients at our institution who underwent cardiac contrast-enhanced MRI to investigate cardiomyopathy or cardiac dysfunction. The patients were divided into the non-PH group (n = 162) with systolic pulmonary artery pressure < 39 mmHg and the PH group (n = 15) with systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 40 mmHg. We performed 4D flow MRI to quantitively assess volume, energy loss (EL), vorticity (Vor), and helicity (Hel) in the pulmonary artery.
Results
Pulmonary artery volume, EL average, Vor average, Hel right screw average, and Hel left screw average were significantly lower in the non-PH group than in the PH group (all p < 0.05). The pulmonary artery volume was significantly correlated with EL average (R = 0.4140, p < 0.0001), Vor average (R = 0.7561, p < 0.0001), and Hel right and left screw averages in the non-PH group (R = 0.5105, p < 0.0001; R = −0.5349, p < 0.0001, respectively). The pulmonary artery volume was significantly correlated with Vor average in the PH group (R= 0.6152, p = 0.0146). However, the pulmonary artery volume was not correlated with EL average or Hel right and left screw averages in the PH group.
Conclusion
EL and Hel may reflect PH in voxel-based evaluation of blood flow in the pulmonary artery.
A Short Scale to Measure Health-Related Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and Adolescents (QOLIBRI-OS-KID/ADO): Psychometric Properties and German Reference Values
Authors: Zeldovich Marina , Krol Leonie , Koerte Inga K. , Cunitz Katrin , Kieslich Matthias , Henrich Marlene , Brockmann Knut , Buchheim Anna , Lendt Michael , Auer Christian , Neu Axel , Driemeyer Joenna , Wartemann Ulrike , Thomé Claudius , Pinggera Daniel , Berweck Steffen , Bonfert Michaela V. , Suss Joachim , Muehlan Holger , von Steinbuechel Nicole
Published: February 2024

The impact of pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents remains understudied. Short scales have some advantages in terms of economy and administration over longer scales, especially in younger children. The aim of the present study is to psychometrically evaluate the six-item German version of the QOLIBRI-OS-KID/ADO scale for children and adolescents. In addition, reference values from a general German pediatric population are obtained to assist clinicians and researchers in the interpretation of HRQoL after pTBI. A total of 297 individuals after TBI and 1997 from a general population sample completed the questionnaire. Reliability, validity, and comparability of the assessed construct were examined. The questionnaire showed satisfactory reliability (α = 0.75 and ω = 0.81 and α = 0.85 and ω = 0.86 for the TBI and general population samples, respectively). The QOLIBRI-OS-KID/ADO was highly correlated with its long version (R2 = 67%) and showed an overlap with disease-specific HRQoL (R2 = 55%) in the TBI sample. The one-dimensional factorial structure could be replicated and tested for measurement invariance between samples, indicating a comparable HRQoL construct assessment. Therefore, reference values and cut-offs indicating clinically relevant impairment could be provided using percentiles stratified by factors significantly associated with the total score in the regression analyses (i.e., age group and gender). In combination with the cut-offs, the QOLIBRI-OS-KID/ADO provides a cost-effective screening tool, complemented by interpretation guidelines, which may help to draw clinical conclusions and indications for further diagnostics and therapy.
Identification Methods for Ordinal Potential Differential Games
Authors: Varga Balint , Huang Da , Hohmann Soeren
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces two new identification methods for the class of linear quadratic (LQ) ordinal potential differential games (OPDGs). Potential games are notable for their benefits, including the computability and guaranteed existence of Nash Equilibria. Previous literature has explored the analysis of static ordinal potential games, yet their applicability to various engineering applications remains limited. Despite the previous introduction of the core idea of OPDGs, a systematic method for identifying a potential game for a given LQ differential game has not been developed yet. To address this research gap, this paper proposes two identification methods that provide the quadratic potential cost function for the given LQ differential game. Both identification methods are based on linear matrix inequalities. The first identification method aims to minimize the condition number of the potential cost function's parameters, providing a faster and more precise technique compared to earlier solutions. In addition, an evaluation regarding the feasibility of system structure requirements is presented. With a less rigid formulation, the second identification technique can successfully identify LQ OPDGs in instances where the first method fails. These two novel identification methods are verified through simulations. The results demonstrate their advantages and potential in designing and analyzing cooperative control systems.
Registration Level and Nonprofit Foundation Efficiency in China: The Moderating Role of Organizational Income
Authors: Peng Sujie
Published: February 2024

Nonprofit foundations are becoming increasingly significant stakeholders in global governance and business operations. However, measuring their efficiency is a challenging task due to their mission-driven nature. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the program efficiency of nonprofit foundations in China. 10 indicators are employed and tested using data from the Chinese Research Data Services (CNRDS) platform. The study employs multiple regression analysis to examine the influential factors identified in the dataset. The study's findings suggest a positive and significant correlation between registration level and program efficiency, while there is a negative and significant correlation with administrative efficiency. Furthermore, organizational income appears to moderate the impact of registration level on both program and administrative efficiency. The results of the analysis provide valuable insights for nonprofit foundation operators, policymakers, and researchers in the field of the nonprofit sector (e.g., nonprofit foundations in China are encouraged to find an equilibrium between their organizational efficiency and their registration status). In terms of theoretical contributions, this study stands as one of the pioneering efforts in investigating the influence of registration levels and the moderating effect of organizational income on nonprofit foundations’ efficiency. Finally, we have delineated its limitations and outlined avenues for future research.
Comprehensive transcriptome profiling between balding and non-balding scalp of Female pattern hair loss in Asian
Authors: Kim Soon Re , Kim Yun Ji , Kim Ju-Hee , Kim Su Na , Park Won Serk , Kim Se Hwan , Chung Juhyun , Choi Mi soo , Kim MyungHwa , Park Byung Cheol
Published: February 2024

Background: While many gene expression studies have focused on male pattern baldness (MPB), few studies have investigated the genetic differences between bald and non-bald hair follicles in female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Objective: This study aimed to identify molecular biomarkers associated with FPHL through genetic analysis of paired bald and non-bald hair follicles from 18 FPHL patients, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques.
Methods: RNA transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bald and non-bald hair follicles in FPHL. The DEGs were validated using real-time PCR, and protein expression was confirmed through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.
Results: Our findings suggest that HOXB13, SFRP2, PTGDS, CXCR3, SFRP4, SOD3, and DCN are significantly upregulated in bald hair follicles compared to non-bald hair follicles in FPHL. SFRP2 and PTGDS were found to be consistently highly expressed in bald hair follicles in all 18 samples. Additionally, elevated protein levels of SFRP2 and PTGDS were confirmed through western blot and immunohistochemical analysis.
Conclusion: Our study identified SFRP2 and PTGDS as potential biomarkers for FPHL and suggests that they may play a role in inducing hair loss in this condition. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the pathogenesis of FPHL and potential therapeutic targets.
Thoracoscopic Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis: An early experience in Yemen
Authors: Obadiel Yasser Abdurabo , Al-Shehari Mohammed Mohammed , Al-Shawesh Ali , Al-Huribi Basma Abdulaleem , Jowah Haitham Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Background Thymectomy is an option for the treatment of myasthenia gravis MG. While the open technique was most frequently performed in the past, nowadays the endoscopic approach has gained wide acceptance. Here we assessed our early experience in thoracoscopic thymectomy (TT).Methods This case series was retrospectively conducted at Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital and included patients diagnosed with MG who underwent TT from January 2018 to January 2024.Results Our case series consisted of 13 predominantly female patients (61.5%), with a median age of 39.5 years. The most common presenting symptoms were generalized weakness and ptosis. Surgeries typically lasted 50 ± 10.41 minutes, with the majority performed using a left-sided thoracoscopic approach (n = 10, 77%). Immediate extubation was achieved in 10 patients (76%). Four patients experienced early postoperative complications (31%), including dyspnea, prolonged intubation, chest infection, confusion, tracheostomy, and re-tracheostomy. There were 2 recorded deaths due to complications. Eleven patients were followed up for an average of 16.5 months, revealing that 54.5% achieved complete stable remission, 18% showed improvement with reduced symptoms and medications, and 27% remained unchanged.Conclusions Thoracoscopic thymectomy is a safe and effective procedure for the management of MG in Yemeni patients. The observed remission and improvement rates are promising and align with global experiences. It is recommended that with proper resources and expertise, similar minimally invasive surgical approaches can be implemented in resource-limited regions.
A Rare Case of Gastroduodenal Artery Aneurysm Rupture with Perforated Duodenal Ulcer: A Case Report
Authors: Almadwahi Nabeel Y. , Alshujaa Mohamed A. , Al-Hodiafy Hamza Z. , Jowah Haitham Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
This case report highlights a rare presentation of a ruptured gastroduodenal artery aneurysm (GDA) accompanied by a duodenal perforation. It contributes to the scientific literature by discussing the management approach and results in a patient with dual complications and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Case presentation:
A 50-year-old male presented with severe abdominal pain, anemia, and signs of hemodynamic instability. Diagnostic imaging revealed a thrombosed gastroduodenal artery aneurysm. The patient underwent open surgical exploration and repair to address both the aneurysm and the duodenal perforation. The patient's recovery was satisfactory, and he was discharged home in stable condition.
Conclusions
This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management in gastroduodenal artery aneurysms. It emphasizes the need for individualized surgical interventions based on the patient's hemodynamic status and associated complications. Dual complications required open surgical exploration and repair, resulting in favorable outcomes. The case underscores the importance of prompt intervention and comprehensive treatment in reducing mortality associated with this condition.
A Novel Approach for Spam Comment Detection on YouTube Using Graph-Enhanced Hierarchical Attention Network (GE-HAN)
Authors: Ganguly Abhisek , Ruby A. Usha , Reddy G Pawan Kumar , J George Chellin Chandran
Published: February 2024

Spam comments pose a significant challenge in maintaining the quality of online platforms, including YouTube. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, the Graph-Enhanced Hierarchical Attention Network (GE-HAN), for spam comment detection. Our approach leverages the content of comments, the hierarchical structure of conversations, and user interactions to accurately classify comments as spam or non-spam. The GE-HAN model combines attention mechanisms to capture important textual features within comments and graph convolutional networks to analyze user interactions and detect coordinated spamming efforts. We trained and evaluated the model using a labeled dataset of spam comments, incorporating user names along with comment content and adjacency matrix representing user interactions. Experimental results demonstrate that the GE-HAN model achieves superior performance in spam detection, outperforming traditional methods. By considering both content and user dynamics, the model effectively identifies spam comments in YouTube, providing a robust solution to combat spam. Our research contributes to the field by showcasing the potential of graph-enhanced attention mechanisms in capturing complex patterns within comments and user interactions.
Real-time damage identification in composite structures based on pseudo excitation (PE) approach and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor arrays
Authors: Ma Yuan , Liu Minjing , Li Tengteng , Strauss Alfred , Cao Maosen , Xu Hao , Wu Zhanjun
Published: February 2024

At present, most of the damage detection techniques based on global vibration and local guided wave have obvious limitations, which brings difficulties to the safety assessment of structures. To solve this problem, a damage location identification method based on micro-dynamic balance and inverse finite element is proposed. Firstly, the vibration frequency, measuring point density and damage magnitude were determined by using finite simulation composite plate structure. Secondly, a fiber grating sensor is attached to the surface of the laminate to receive the strain response signal of the structure under steady-state vibration, and the global displacement of the structure is constructed by inverse finite element method. Finally, the inverse finite element listing is introduced into the theoretical framework of the dynamic response of the micro-element, and the structural damage identification experiment based on the measured strain data is realized. The experimental results show that this method can effectively identify the structural damage area and has a special sensitivity to structural damage, and the identification accuracy and efficiency are high.
“Commited by Men”: Individual Criminal Responsibility for Aggression Against Ukraine
Authors: Bogush Gleb
Published: February 2024

The article deals with the personal scope of criminal responsibility for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. While the Kampala amendments to the Statute of the International Criminal Court have further strengthened the crime of aggression’s leadership character, they have also limited the possibility of holding individuals accountable as accomplices. Nonetheless, this article posits that there are still avenues within the current legal framework to bring key individuals involved in the aggression against Ukraine to justice. It examines different factions within the Russian leadership and the leaders of Belarus and also explores the possibility of bringing Russian propagandists to account. The article advocates for a careful selection policy that balances international and domestic systems better to serve the cause of accountability. Pursuing investigations and prosecutions against these groups should result in an outcome that re#ects the extent of the criminality of Russia’s aggressive war.
Isolation and Characterization of Polyethylene and Polyethylene Terephthalate-degrading Bacteria from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
Authors: Azizi Aqil , Fairus Sirin , Sari Deffi Ayu Puspito
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Plastic is resistant to natural breakdown because of its intricate structure, which features long and repeated molecular chains. As a result, a variety of plastic waste, mostly made of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), accumulates in Jakarta Bay. The use of microorganisms to degrade plastic trash has emerged as a highly promising bioremediation strategy.

Methods

The goal of this research is to find microorganisms capable of digesting plastic in the samples of seawater and sediment obtained from Muara Angke Jakarta Bay. The bacteria were grown on Zobell Marine Agar (ZMA) that had been treated with 2% polyethylene glycol (PEG). The bacteria were then selected based on their capacity to degrade PE and PET microplastics in a liquid medium. The ability to degrade was determined by measuring the optical density (OD) at 600 nm and the decrease in plastic dry weight after a 14-day incubation period.

Results

Seven bacterial isolates capable of decomposing PE and PET were found during the isolation and screening methods. The WJ1 outperformed other isolates in the degradation of PE and PET, with degradation rates of 4.5% and 6.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

According to 16S rRNA analysis, five bacterial species have been identified as playing a part in the process of plastic degradation: Vibrio alginolyticus, Pseudoalteromonas caenipelagi, Microbulbifer pacificus, Pseudomonas marincola, and Bacillus subtilis. The ability of these bacteria to biodegrade plastics represents an opportunity to effectively remove persistent pollutants from the environment.
Engineering Characteristics at Early Age of Cemented Silica Fume Paste for Peat Compaction Grouting
Authors: Hasan Alsidqi , Hutabarat Lolom Evalita
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cemented Silica Fume Paste (CSFP) is currently being investigated for compaction grouting material to improve peat ground engineering properties. The CSFP is made in the laboratory using a proportional mixture of silica fume, cement binder, and tap water. The silica fume material is a byproduct of the metal processing industry, which critically requires a better alternative utilization in the near future in order to cut the storage cost and minimize the environmental impact.

Aims

This paper aims to present preliminary results on the engineering characteristics of CSFP at an early age through a series of rheological and strength tests. A general observation of the physical properties and microstructure of CSFP is also presented.

Methods

The CSFP specimens with cement binder range from 0% to 30% with the increment of 5% and Water-to-Solid (W/S) ratio ranges from 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 were prepared and tested. A series of rheology test and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests were carried out for the CSFP specimens at an early age. The data were analyzed statistically and mathematical formulation is presented.

Results

The results indicate that CSFP mixtures behave as pseudoplastic or shear thinning fluid, where the shear stress and viscosity depend highly on the shear rates. The higher the shear rates, the higher the shear stress and the lower the viscosity. Curve fitting showed that the best relationship between shear stress and shear rate is the power law function (Ostwald–de Waele relationship). Statistical parameters, k, n, R2 of the power law functions are reported. There was no good correlation found between the power law function statistical parameters and the cement content. The UCS tests showed that the shear strength increases with the amount of cement content. The actual W/S reduces as the cement content increases, which is attributed to the cement hydration.

Conclusion

The CSFP mixtures were found to be a pseudoplastic or shear thinning fluid at an early age that provides an advantage during the material injection on the ground. Cemented Silica Fume Paste can be potentially used as compaction grout to improve peat. The current findings provide a better understanding of the CSFP characteristics and to better design CSFP to be injected into peat ground.
Outcome of Non-operative Treatment of Extension Fractures in Patients with Ankylosed Spines – A Case Series
Authors: Yen David
Published: February 2024

Background

Surgical treatment is the mainstay of management in patients having fractures in fused spines. However, these patients also tend to be older and have comorbidities resulting in increased morbidity and mortality with operative management. Therefore, there has been more recent interest in the risks and benefits of nonoperative treatment in these patients.

Objective

Extension pattern fractures have an intact posterior element hinge resulting in lower risk of translation. Therefore, we wanted to determine the outcome of nonoperative treatment of extension pattern fractures in patients with fused spines.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with fused spines having extension thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic deficit treated nonoperatively at a University Health Sciences Centre over an 8-year period.

Results

We had a complete set of data for 14 patients. There was a morbidity rate of 29% and a mortality rate of 14%. All of our patients had a significant positive change in their Cobb angle, indicating closure of the fracture gap without translation in either the sagittal or coronal planes. Remodelling of the fracture lines was found in all 14 patients and in 11 there were also bridging osteophytes across the fracture. No patients developed neurologic deficits.

Conclusion

By demonstrating the successful healing of extension fractures treated nonoperatively with morbidity and mortality in keeping with that of reports of patients with fused spines managed operatively, we added support to conducting future randomized studies of operative versus nonoperative treatment in this patient population.
GABA Metabolism and MDA Production in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Seedlings under Salinity and Osmotic Stresses
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Zakaria I. , AL-Quraan Nisreen A. , Al-Saqqar Hala Y. , Al-Ghzawi Abdul Latief , Al-Tawaha Abdel Rahman
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study examined the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt pathway in response to salt and osmotic stresses in three barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes (Acsad176, Athroh, and Rum) in terms of seed germination, seedlings growth, oxidative damage through malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation as an indicator for reactive oxygen species (ROS), GABA metabolite accumulation, chlorophyll level, total proteins, total carbohydrates and the expression of glutamate decarboxylase gene (GAD) analysis.

Background

GABA is a secondary metabolite that modulates nitrogen metabolism, protects against oxidative damage, and cytosolic pH in response to various abiotic and biotic stress in plants.

Methods

The effects of salt and osmotic stresses imposed by different concentrations of mannitol, sorbitol, and NaCl on the three barley genotypes were studied. Seed germination, seedling length, fresh weight, and dry mass were recorded. The physiological and biochemical responses as per GABA and MDA accumulation, total chlorophyll, proteins and carbohydrates, and the level of GAD expression were also characterized and determined.

Results

Mannitol, sorbitol, and NaCl treatments decreased seed germination and seedling growth for the three barely genotypes used in this study. MDA concentration was increased in seedlings of all genotypes with increasing NaCl, mannitol, and sorbitol concentrations. Acsad 176 showed high GABA accumulation under NaCl treatment. Mannitol treatment significantly increased GABA accumulation in the Rum genotype. All salt and osmotic treatments decreased chlorophyll a and b and carbohydrate content and significantly increased GAD transcription in all barley genotypes. Salt and osmotic stresses affected the total protein content in all genotypes.

Conclusion

Acsad 176 genotype may adapt to NaCl stress by accumulating carbohydrates more than Athroh and Rum. GABA shunt is a crucial signaling and metabolic pathway facilitating barley's adaptation to salt and osmotic stress. In soil with high salt and osmotic contents, the Acsad 176 genotype is the recommended genotype for cultivation.
The Effectiveness of eHealth Interventions-based Self-care on Health-related Quality of Life for Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Ramadan Reda Mohamed El-Sayed , Alenezi Atallah , Abd Elazim Youssef Abd ELmeguid Nehal , Hussein Eman Sobhy Elsaid
Published: February 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and is a public health concern. For people with heart failure, effective self-care practices are crucial.

Aim of the Work

to assess how EHealth interventions-based self-care affect heart failure patients' health-related quality of life.

Methods

Research design: To achieve the study's goal, a quasi-experimental approach was employed.

Setting

The Al-Quwayiyah General Hospital's outpatient clinic in Al-Quwayiyah City, Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), was the source of heart failure.

Subjects

60 cases with Heart failure were recruited.

Tools

Tools of gathering data: Researchers created and employed four instruments: 1) Clinical data sheet and patient evaluation; 2) Knowledge assessment sheet; 3) Personality-Maintenance of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI); and 4) Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ).

Results

The patients under study ranged in age from 35 to 65, with 63.3% of them being female. After receiving eHealth Interventions-Based Self-Care, there were statistically significant changes in knowledge, self-care, and health-related quality of life between the pre-and post-tests (P<0.05*).

Conclusion

The study's patient population's degree of knowledge, self-care, and health-related quality of life had all considerably improved thanks to EHealth interventions-based self-care.

Recommendation

Through the implementation of patient-centered care programs, nurses play a proactive role in increasing the understanding of patients with HF regarding self-care and health-related quality of life.
Flower Initiation Pattern, Developmental Stages, and Seed Morphology of Paraphalaenopsis Labukensis P.S. Shim, A. Lamb & C.L. Chan, An Endangered Orchid in Sabah
Authors: Nelson Heira Vanessa , Gansau Jualang Azlan , Shamsudin Nor Amirah , Rusdi Nor Azizun
Published: February 2024

Background

Paraphalaenopsis labukensis P.S. Shim, A. Lamb & C.L. Chan is a monopodial epiphytic species that can only be found in Sabah. P. labukensis orchids have unique characteristics in that it has a long floral lifespan as compared to other orchid species. The flower developmental pattern of P. labukensis greatly influenced capsule formation and seed maturation.

Objective

The present research was conducted to record the initiation of flower initiation, and floral morphology, and to observe the flowering and capsule development, as well as the effect of different capsule ages on asymbiotic seed germination.

Methods

A total of three individual plants of P. labukensis were observed. The flowering stages were characterized by quantitative parameters such as length of inflorescence, diameter, and length of buds, the number of flowers produced, and the length of the capsule formed. All the data were recorded through direct observation.

Results

Overall, twelve morphological landmark that define each stage of floral development was recorded. Based on the observation, P. labukensis inflorescence was asymmetric and in the shape of a panicle. The number of flowers varied among inflorescences, ranging from 3–5, that blossomed at different times. Furthermore, early capsules appeared 40–90 days after pollination (DAP). Then, 120 DAP of the capsule was selected as the most suitable capsule age for germination as it had reached its maturation period.

Conclusion

Identifying the duration of the whole flowering developmental process will aid in the production of capsules to attain a reliable and adequate seed source for in vitro seed germination.
HIV knowledge and preventive Standards Precautions Among Healthcare Workers in Blood Transfusion Centers
Authors: Muwfaq Younis Nasir , Mohammed Ahmed Mahmoud , Yousif Ayed Alaa
Published: February 2024

The number of instances of HIV has climbed considerably in the previous ten years, which is cause for alarm.
Because healthcare workers are future healthcare professionals, they must have proper knowledge and preventive standards and precautions about HIV because they will play a vital role in the prevention of HIV
transmission and treatment of HIV patients. The article aims to identify HIV knowledge and preventive standard precautions among healthcare workers in blood transfusion Centers. Cross-sectional descriptive research
to characterize and provide information about the knowledge and preventive standards precautions among
healthcare workers in blood transfusion Centers from March 25 to April 15, 2022. Participants from the described Studies (N = 34) provided data for these analyses. This result revealed that the participants' knowledge
ranged between acceptable and good (47.05 and 52.95). Also, participants' knowledge of prevention strategies
was similar, but the hand hygiene strategy was the most valuable (M: 3.62 and SD: 0.45). The instrument
consists of 3 parts: part 1: demographical variables. Part two: healthcare workers' knowledge of HIV, Part 3:
preventive standards precautions among healthcare workers. The current study of healthcare personnel shows
that they have a decent understanding of HIV based on the precise results and adhere to the preventive
measures during the blood transfusion.
Keywords: HIV, knowledge, preventive Standards precautions, Healthcare Workers, Blood Transfusion Centers
Mujeres desaparecidas en Ciudad Juárez (1993-2021): perfil victimológico y análisis espacial
Authors: Cervera Gómez Luis Ernesto , Dena Ornelas Martha Aurelia , Monárrez Fragoso Julia Estela
Published: February 2024

En esta investigación se realiza un acercamiento al fenómeno de violencia generada por la desaparición de mujeres y niñas en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. Sus objetivos son determinar el perfil victimológico y realizar un análisis espaciotemporal de las víctimas en el periodo de 1993 a marzo de 2021. La evidencia empírica se obtuvo de la “Base de Datos de Niñas y Mujeres Desaparecidas en Ciudad Juárez” (BDMD) integrada por 215 casos.
La metodología cuantitativa parte de los análisis estadístico, descriptivo y del análisis espacial. Las conclusiones exhiben los factores endógenos y exógenos de la dinámica de la desaparición de mujeres.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLECTOMY VERSUS ANTERIOR TRANSPOSITION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ULNAR NEUROPATHY, AT ELBOW IN HANSEN’S DISEASE
Authors: SADH RAGHVENDRA , PAL VISHNU
Published: February 2024

Objective: The objective of the study is to know the better results after medial epicondylectomy with regards to sensory recovery and patient satisfaction.
Methods: We operated on a total of 36 patients of Hansen’s disease suffering from ulnar nerve neuritis at the elbow from 1999 to 2003. They were alternately operated either by epicondylectomy or anterior transposition by the same unit. All these patients had either completed MDT or were on MDT for a minimum of 2 months before surgery.
Results: The mean age of the patient was 28.6 years (range 15–45 years). The average follow-up was 3.2 years (range 1–5 years). The male-to-female ratio was 7: 4. The patients who were operated on within 4 months of the onset of symptoms showed a satisfaction rate of 70% as compared to 50% in patients who were operated on after 4 months of the onset of symptoms.
Conclusion: Our study showed better results after medial epicondylectomy with regard to sensory recovery and patient satisfaction. There was no statistically significant difference in motor power recovery and post-operative pain, among both procedures none of the procedures had any significant effect on elbow function or stability.
THE IMPACT OF STRESS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FIRST-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: S SUBHALAKSHMI , NS SASIKUMAR , GANESH T AMIRTHAMANI
Published: February 2024

Objective: Anxiety is not uncommon in students pursuing professional and other courses. It makes us tired very early, as well as becoming the main cause of stress in young adults. Cognitive function may be affected during or after a stressful event. Our primary objective is to determine the prevalence of anxiety among medical students at Tirunelveli Medical College (TVMC), Tirunelveli.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 1st-year medical students of TVMC who had spent more than 6 months in college. We assessed the students during the period without and during the period with examinations. Anthropometric variables of students included are age, gender, weight, height, and body mass index. The prevalence of anxiety was determined with a structured, validated questionnaire. We used the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), which has a cut-off score for various levels of anxiety. The students were subjected to the questionnaire both before and during the examination. All 150 students completed the questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters are age-matched.
Results: Data were analyzed using a paired “t” test. A high prevalence of anxiety (p<0.001) among medical students was found.
Conclusion: Female students were found to be more prone to anxiety than male students, and there was a significant association between the prevalence of anxiety and the examination period. This study finds a significant number of students with high anxiety scores indicating emotional distress, which may result in poor academic performance.
SENSITIVITY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN DIFFERENTIATING NECK MASSES INTO BENIGN AND MALIGNANT LESIONS
Authors: VANDANA MRUDULA , SRIRAMANENI VENKATESWAR RAO , Valapala Venkat Narayana Goutham
Published: February 2024

Objective: Neck masses have a diverse clinical profile that necessitates multimodality evaluation. Hence, the present study aids the use of computed tomography (CT) in identifying various structures in the neck, which are split into multiple regions by the cervical fascia.
Methods: This multi-centric study was conducted at two tertiary care centers. Sixty patients were studied who were referred to the radiodiagnosis department for evaluation. In the present study, CT findings were correlated with pathological findings.
Results: The results revealed that the sensitivity of CT in diagnosing and differentiating the neck mass was 86.3% and a positive predictive value of 100%, with a negative predictive value of 95.1%. Cross-sectional imaging of the CT of the neck provides detailed three-dimensional visualization of the masses and their relationship with adjacent blood vessels, glands, fascia, muscles, and neck spaces. The posterior extension of the lesion is better assessed by CT and surpasses ultrasonography.
Conclusion: Bony involvement, either by a primary bony lesion or a direct invasion by the neck mass, can be better evaluated because of the differential attenuation values in CT.