bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidance strategies for infantile asymmetry prevention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ellwood Julie , Sampath Kesava Kovanur , Rund Iryna , Treffel Loïc , Draper-Rodi Jerry
Published: June 2024

Background: Infantile asymmetries of posture, movement and/or shape are common. Coincidence in the presentation of asymmetrical features can lead to a broad spectrum of descriptors. Evidence-based guidelines on prevention strategies are not currently available. The objective of this systematic review was to find, evaluate, and synthesise the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of prevention strategies for infantile asymmetries, specifically strategies involving paediatric screening and/or guidance to parents.
Methods: This review has been reported based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the review protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework, (https://osf.io/rgzev/). Searches were conducted on Ovid Medline, Ovid AMED, and PEDro. Inclusion criteria of articles were infants <16 weeks old who had received either an early musculoskeletal screen and/or education to parents on home care guidance/exercises to prevent asymmetry development. Any primary research was included. There was no limit placed upon date of publication. Data was screened, extracted and appraised in duplicate by at least two blinded reviewers. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias available as part of Covidence was used by two reviewers independently.
Results: 702 papers were retrieved and 15 articles were included; 6 randomised controlled trials, 6 cohort studies and 3 non-randomised experimental studies. The presenting conditions were head shape asymmetry in 10/15 studies and movement asymmetry of congenital muscular torticollis in the remaining 5 studies. Due to a lack of homogeneity between all the studies, it was not possible to pool the data and conduct meta-analysis. Guidance strategies show better outcomes in asymmetry prevention when provided early (< 3 months) and under supervision of a healthcare professional. The overall risk of bias for cohort and non-randomised experimental studies was considered to be ‘low’, and ‘adequate’ or ‘low’ for randomised controlled trials. The GRADE level of evidence was found to be ‘very low’.
Conclusion: Early parental guidance may prevent infantile asymmetry when supervised by a trained healthcare professional and with good adherence from parents. Further studies with a higher methodological rigour are needed to identify and perform comparative interventions.
Clinical Trial Number: Not applicable
OSF number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RGZEV
Impurity-induced Step Pinning and Recovery in MOVPE-grown (100) β-Ga2O3 Film: The Influence of Ga supersaturation
Authors: Chou Ta-Shun , Rehm Jana , Anooz Saud Bin , Wouters Charlotte , Ernst Owen , Akhtar Arub , Galazka Zbigniew , Albrecht Martin , Fiedler Andreas , Popp Andreas
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the impact of high-doping impurities (> 1018 cm− 3) on the morphology of homoepitaxially grown (100) 4°off β-Ga2O3 film, as well as incorporating insights from the Cabrera-Vermilyea model (C-V model). Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, we reveal that under low supersaturation conditions, dopant-induced impurities lead to irregular step formation and growth stalling, inducing the step-bunching formation consistent with C-V model predictions. Conversely, higher supersaturation conditions restore desired step-flow morphology, resembling low-impurity growth states. It is also shown that the step-bunching formed under lower supersaturation conditions and high impurity concentration might induce unwanted structural defects and compensate the free carriers. These findings underscore the delicate interplay between dopant concentrations, growth morphology, and supersaturation in MOVPE-grown (100) β-Ga2O3 films, providing a comprehensive understanding for optimizing their electrical properties with respect to power electronics applications.
Reference Intervals for CD4 and hemoglobin among apparently healthy pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Chalchisa Dinkenesh , Belay Yohannes , Kassaw Melkitu , Befekadu Endalkachew , G/Egzeabher Letebrhan , G/Michael G/Medin , Lengiso Boki , Chala Dawit , Sahlemariam Zewdineh , Kebede Estifanos , Abate Ebba , Tsegaye Aster
Published: June 2024

Background, Most African countries, including Ethiopia, have not developed local well-defined reference intervals for immuno-hematological testes interims of pregnant women, so we were forced to use reference intervals from manufacturer insert kit values derived from non-Africans. This is not appropriate because CD4 cell count tests are affected by ethnic and environmental factors Therefore, this study aimed to develop RI for CD4 cell count and hemoglobin levels for apparently healthy pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method From January to June 2019, 162 pregnant women who appeared healthy were enrolled in this community-based cross-sectional study. Social and medical data were gathered through a structured questionnaire following the acquisition of informed consent. BD FACS Presto, a near-patient CD4 counter, was used to obtain the CD4 count and hemoglobin (Hgb) levels from whole blood using a nonparametric test that estimated 2.5th (lower limit) and 97.5th (upper limit) percentiles with 95% CIs. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20 and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After excluding six pregnant women who did not pass the screening tests, 156 apparently healthy pregnant women participants who were 18–49 years old were included in the final analysis. The majority of them were in the 2nd trimester, from the total participants (51.9%) were housewives, and (37.2. %) attained at least primary-level education. The medians of CD4%-and CD4# counts with inter-quartile ranges [IQR] were 757.5 [611.3-925.5] cells/µLand 43.62% [39.9–47.3], respectively while the median and IQR. Hemoglobin values were 14.3gm/dL [13.40–15.10]. The absolute CD4 cell count reference intervals were 416.9-1218.4 cells/µL, %CD4 + 32.1–57.3%, there is no significant difference between the trimester and age difference was observed. Conclusion: Comparing this study's results to those of non-African and African nations, it revealed a decline in both parentage count and absolute CD4 + T cell counts. Therefore, it is essential to establish local reference values for various populations.
Time worked in shifts and occurrence of drowsiness events while driving: Attenuating effect of physical activity
Authors: de Menezes-Júnior Luiz Antônio Alves , de Oliveira Fernando Luiz Pereira , Machado-Coelho George Luiz Lins , Pimenta Fausto Aloisio Pedrosa , Neto Raimundo Marques do Nascimento , de Freitas Sílvia Nascimento
Published: June 2024

Background: To investigate the relationship between shift work time, drowsiness events during driving, and the potential moderating effect of physical activity.
Methods: A cross-sectional investigation involved 1413 male shift workers in an iron ore mining firm. Heavy machinery essential to the mining process was operated. A specific question from the Berlin Questionnaire was used to evaluate drowsiness while driving. The main explanation variable was the shift in working hours. The levels of physical activity were classified as low, moderate, and high using the IPAQ. Multivariate and descriptive descriptive logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results: The majority of workers were aged 20 to 34 (45.1%), self-identified as non-white (77.2%) and had completed high school (76.0%). The average shift work time was 9.56 years (95% CI: 9.23-9.90), with 76% working for five years or more. Drowsiness events during driving were reported by 17.3% of workers. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between shift work time and drowsiness events, indicating a dose-response relationship, where longer shift work time increased the likelihood of drowsiness events (OR: 2.93 for 10-15 years; OR: 4.34 for >15 years). However, physical activity acted as a moderating factor, demonstrating a dose-response effect in reducing this chance, with a reduction of 27.6% and 30.9% for moderate and high levels, respectively, compared to participants with a low level of activity.
Conclusion: Longer shift work time increases the chance of drowsiness events during driving, but higher physical activity levels mitigate them.
Global, regional, and national burden of HIV-negative tuberculosis, 1990–2021: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study
Authors: Zhang Shun-Xian , Miao Feng-Yu , Yang Jian , Zhou Wen-Ting , Lv Shan , Wei Fan-Na , Wang Yu , Hu Xiao-Jie , Yin Ping , Zheng Pei-Yong , Yang Ming , Wang Mei-Ti , Feng Xin-Yu , Duan Lei , Yang Guo-Bing , Wang Ji-Chun , Lu Zhen-Hui
Published: June 2024

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease primarily caused by the inhalation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). Its widespread transmission, lengthy treatment duration, significant side effects, and high mortality rate severely impact public health. The study presents the epidemiological characteristics of TB globally and in major regions, aiming to reveal the current global and national TB-related disease burdens and provide scientific references for TB prevention and control worldwide.
Methods
The ecological and time series study utilizes data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. It includes the number of new incidence cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized death rates (ASDR), and age-standardized DALY rates for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB), multidrug-resistant tuberculosis without extensive drug resistance (MDR-TB), and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) from 1990 to 2021. The study analyzes trends of TB, DS-TB, MDR-TB, and XDR-TB across different age groups, genders, main regions, and nations. Additionally, the relationship between the global TB burden and the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) was explored using a general generalized linear regression model.
Results
In 2021, the global ASIR for all HIV-negative TB was 103.00 per 100,000 population (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 92.21, 114.91), with an declining by -0.40% (95%UI: -0.43, -0.38) compared to 1990. The global ASDR of TB was 13.96 per 100,000 population (95%UI: 12.61, 15.72), with an declining by-0.44% (95%UI: -0.61, -0.23) compared to 1990. The global age-standardized DALY rate for HIV-negative TB was estimated at 580.26 per 100,000 population (95%UI: 522.37, 649.82), with an declining by -0.65% (95%UI: -0.69 to -0.57) compared to 1990. Globally, significant declines in the ASIR, ASDR, and the age-standardized DALY rate for TB, DS-TB, and the MDR-TB were observed only when the SDI exceeded. The contribution of tobacco use to the ASIR, ASDR and age-standardized DALY rate of TB, DS-TB, and MDR-TB has been decreasing. In contrast, the impact of high fasting plasma glucose and high body mass index on the ASIR and ASDR of TB, DS-TB, and MDR-TB has been increasing.
Conclusions
MDR-TB and XDR-TB continues to impose a significant health burden, particularly in regions with low SDI. Developing effective, sensitive, accurate, rapid, and convenient Mtb screening technologies, along with novel anti-TB drugs of shorter treatment durations, is crucial. Continuous optimization, updating, and promotion of new TB treatment regimens and scheme are essential for reducing the TB burden.
Comparison of Endoscopic Healing and Durability between Combination Therapy with Infliximab and Azathioprine versus Infliximab Monotherapy in Pediatric Crohn's disease
Authors: Kim Yoon Zi , Kim Eun Sil , Kwon Yiyoung , Kim Seon Young , Kim Hansol , Choe Yon Ho , Kim Mi Jin
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to evaluate endoscopic healing (EH) efficacy and the durability of infliximab (IFX) in combination therapy with IFX and AZA versus IFX monotherapy in pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). In this retrospective observational study, clinical remission (CR), biochemical remission (BR), EH, transmural healing (TH) after 1-year of treatment, IFX trough levels (TLs), antibodies-to-IFX (ATIs), and IFX durability of 108 patients receiving IFX therapy, who were grouped into AZA combo-therapy (combination therapy group) and IFX monotherapy (monotherapy group), were compared. Of 108 patients who received IFX therapy, 85 (78.7%) received AZA combo-therapy for ≥3 months, and 23 (21.3%) received IFX monotherapy. No significant differences were observed in CR and TH at 1-year between the groups. However, the BR (92.9% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.003) and EH (78.6% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001) were higher in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group. Further, the proportion of patients with TLs above the therapeutic drug levels was significantly higher in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group (p = 0.023). ATI formation was also significantly lower in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group (25.0% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.025). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that ATI positivity (hazard ratio [HR] 5.33, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.61–17.60, p = 0.006) and combination therapy with IFX and AZA (HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03–0.51, p = 0.004) were associated with IFX durability. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed significantly higher IFX durability in the combination therapy group (log-rank test, p = 0.0026) than in the monotherapy group. Compared with IFX monotherapy, combination therapy with IFX and AZA was associated with higher EH rates and longer IFX durability in pediatric patients with CD.
Successful excision of non–palpable breast lesions using a magnetic surgical marker navigation system in a specialized French oncologic center
Authors: Ceccato Vivien , Wallaert Lauren , Michel Sophie , Gaillard Thomas , Girard Noémie , Darrigues Lauren , Pauly Léa , Gauroy Elodie , Raimond Emilie , Menouer Imane , Graesslin Olivier , Rosa Julie , Laas Enora , Reyal Fabien , Grandal Beatriz , Hotton Judicaël
Published: June 2024

Wire guided localization is widely used as the standard method of pre-operative localization of breast lesions. The aim was to assess outcomes following the introduction of a novel non wire guided, magnetic surgical marker navigation system. A prospective study between May 2022 and June 2023 established a data base of the first 200 procedures performed using the Sirius Pintuition GPS Detect magnetic marker. The primary outcome measures were the successful excision of target lesion and retrieval of the magnetic marker. The primary lesion was excised and the magnetic marker was retrieved in all 200 procedures. In 17 procedures (8.5% of the total sample), the magnetic marker was dislodged during surgery; however, the primary lesion was still effectively excised with clear margins without the need for an additional procedure or radiologic assistance. The re-excision rate to achieve margin clearance was 9%. Insertion of the marker was classified as “easy” and “in contact with the target” by the radiologist in all cases (100%). This study has shown that surgical marker navigation reliably localizes lesions and is associated with low re-excision rates. We also perceived improvement in theatre planning.
Molecular transmission network analysis reveals the challenge of HIV-1 in ageing patients in China: elderly people play a crucial role in the transmission of subtypes and high pretreatment drug resistance in developed Eastern China, 2019-2023
Authors: Cao Dongqing , Xing Hui , Feng Yi , He Tingting , Zhang Jiafeng , Ling Jiafeng , Chen Jinkun , Zhao Jiana
Published: June 2024

Background
The number and proportion of HIV/AIDS patients among older people are continuously and rapidly increasing in China. We conducted a detailed molecular epidemiological analysis of HIV-1 epidemic strains in a developed city in eastern China and found that elderly people play a crucial role in the transmission of subtypes and high pretreatment drug resistance (PDR).
Methods
A total of 1048 samples were obtained from 1129 (92.8%) newly confirmed HIV-1-positive and treatment-naive patients between 2019 and 2023. The 1316 bp target fragment of the pol gene was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) and nested PCR, and a phylogenetic tree and molecular transmission network were constructed to analyse the subtypes and transmission clusters. PDR-associated mutations were determined according to the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database.
Results
A total of 933 pol sequences (91.23%, 933/1048) were successfully obtained, and twelve HIV-1 subtypes were detected. CRF07_BC was the predominant subtype, accounting for 48.1% (449/933) of sequences, followed by CRF01_AE (29.37%, 274/933). A total of 398 individuals (42.7%, 398/933) formed 89 clusters in the network. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age, nationality, subtype, and PDR were the most significant factors associated with clustering in the transmission network. The prevalence of PDR was 14.6% (136/933).PDR associated with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (10.0%, 93/933) was much more common than that associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (1.8%, 17/933) and protease inhibitors (3.2%, 30/933) (2 = 77.961, p < 0.001). The most frequent NNRTI mutations were K103N/S/KN/NS (52.2%, 71/136), which caused the highest proportion of high-level resistance to nevirapine and efavirenz (52.2%).
Conclusions
Our study revealed the important influence of elderly people on CRF07_BC transmission and the high prevalence of PDR. The clustering of drug-resistant cases was significant, which suggested the potential for localized widespread transmission of drug-resistant strains. HIV screening and the determination of PDR are recommended for older patients to improve early detection and reduce treatment failure and second-generation transmission.
Experimental infection of ringtail possums with Mycobacterium ulcerans, the agent of Buruli ulcer
Authors: Blasdell Kim , Ploeg Richard , Hobbs Emma , Muhi Stephen , Riddell Sarah , Cunneen Alexandra , Kelly Michael , Maynard Kate , Malcolm Tess , Islam Md. Tanjir , Boyd Victoria , Stinear Timothy , Pidot Sacha , Athan Eugene , O'Brien Daniel
Published: June 2024

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a necrotizing disease of skin and soft tissue caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU). In Australia, where the disease is spreading and case numbers increasing, native possum species act as reservoir hosts. To better understand the life history of MU in one of its natural hosts, we conducted intra-dermal challenge of six wild caught, MU-naïve common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). All six animals developed BU disease consistent with that observed in naturally infected ringtail possums. Time to ulceration varied between 49 to 77 days (mean = 61.8 days). Molecular evidence of systemic infection was detected in five animals and was supported by consistent histopathological findings in four animals. Pathological findings included a random, multifocal, granulomatous hepatitis in four possums, one of which also had a mild, multifocal, interstitial granulomatous pneumonia. Acid-fast bacilli were only evident in inflammatory foci beyond the primary inoculation site in one possum. The ringtail possum model of MU infection is an important tool for the investigation of bacterial transmission dynamics, pathogenesis and immune response in a natural host. Data from this model may improve disease risk modelling and help identify intervention points to stop zoonotic transmission and disease spread.
Comparison of Neck Angle and Musculoskeletal Discomfort of Surgeon in Cataract Surgery between Three-Dimensional Heads-Up Display System and Conventional Microscope
Authors: Suh Youngsong , Shin Suyoung , Kim Bo Yi , Jeong Jiwon , Kim Tae-im
Published: June 2024

The three-dimensional heads-up display system (3D HUDS) is increasingly utilized by ophthalmologists and suggested to offer ergonomic benefits compared to conventional operating microscopes. We aimed to quantitatively assess the surgeon’s neck angle and musculoskeletal discomfort during cataract surgery using commercially available 3D HUDS and conventional microscope. In this single-center comparative observational study, the surgeon conducted routine phacoemulsification surgeries using Artevo® 800 and Opmi Lumera® 700 (both from Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). The surgeon’s intraoperative neck angle was measured using the Cervical Range of Motion device. Postoperative musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score after each surgery. A total of 80 cataract surgeries were analyzed, with 40 using Artevo® 800 and 40 using Opmi Lumera® 700. The neck angle was extended when using Artevo® 800 and flexed when using Opmi Lumera® 700 during continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC), phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens (IOL) placement (-8.18 ± 2.85° vs. 8.27 ± 2.93° in CCC, -7.83 ± 3.30° vs. 8.87 ± 2.83° in phacoemulsification, -7.43 ± 3.80° vs. 7.67 ± 3.73° in IOL placement, respectively; all p < 0.001). The VAS score was significantly lower in surgeries performed with Artevo® 800 (1.27 ± 0.55 vs. 1.73 ± 0.64, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that 3D HUDS help reduce neck flexion and lower work-related musculoskeletal discomfort through ergonomic improvements.
Societal Cost Analysis of a Community-Based Teledermatology Service versus Conventional Outpatient Appointments in East Kent: A Retrospective Study to Reduce Health Inequalities
Authors: Nizar Nurul Ain , Farooki Roopa , Mahapatra Piyush , Halpern Saul , Hoogenboom Tim CH
Published: June 2024

Background
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is grappling with rising demand and limited dermatologists, leading to longer waiting times. This is particularly concerning for conditions like malignant melanoma, where early diagnosis is crucial. Teledermatology is being introduced to address these issues, but its impact on patients’ monetary and time costs, especially in deprived areas, is under-researched. This study investigates the impact of a community-based teledermatology model in East Kent, a coastal region with high cross-regional health inequalities.
Methods
We analysed the financial costs and time invested by patients undergoing community-based teledermatology versus if they were to attend traditional appointments. Data were gathered from 1368 referrals, from May 2022 to January 2024 at a secondary care provider in the region. We considered the diagnosis method, appointments, travel, monetary cost of time, parking costs and Index of Multiple Deprivation Deciles (IMDD).
Results
Our study showed the community teledermatology model significantly reduced the active patient’s time and cost to obtain a diagnosis. Average time was 38.1 minutes, compared to 96.7 minutes in traditional clinics, saving 58.6 minutes (95% CI -62.5 to -54.6, p < 0.001). Patients saved £17.8 per diagnosis with this model (95% CI -£19.2 to -£16.5, p < 0.001). Time savings were more substantial for patients from more deprived regions (IMDD 1–3) .
Conclusion
The community-based teledermatology model proves to be cost-effective for patients, providing a convenient alternative to traditional clinics, particularly benefiting patients from deprived backgrounds by improving healthcare accessibility and offering flexible consultation options.
Improve sensitivity for the study of blood diseases by analysis of haemoglobin concentration using a graphene-coated SPR based biosensor
Authors: Ilyes Habia Mohamed , Aissa Manallah , Khaled Ayadi
Published: June 2024

Recent scientific and technical advancements have resulted in the creation of very sensitive biosensing devices for pathogen detection. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has developed as an environmentally benign and effective label-free detection method in clinical research, notably for studying biomolecular interactions such as hemoglobin interactions. SPR can be used to assess blood abnormalities such as anemia, which is characterized by a transitory fall in blood hemoglobin concentration due to a decrease in red blood cell count. When compared to gold film sensors, using silver as the metal material and graphene to improves the sensitivity and gives a more distinct reflectance spectrum. The fundamental goal of this research is to improve hemoglobin detection sensitivity by concentration analysis, hence leading to a better knowledge of blood behavior utilizing SPR. This entails examining SPR reflectivity and calculating electromagnetic field dispersion in multilayer structures using a mechanism for wave propagation in stratified media based on transfer matrices.
The Effect of a Game-Based Approach Intervention on Youth Gaelic Football Players’ Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Gavin Kevin , Lane Aoife , Dowd Kieran
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a GBA intervention on PA levels in youth Gaelic football players and investigate its impact on overall daily PA levels and practice session characteristics.
Methods
A quasi-experimental design was employed to investigate the impact of a 2-week GBA intervention within a youth Gaelic football setting. Following a 1-week baseline measurement period, experienced GBA practitioners implemented the GBA intervention with one U17 boys team (n = 18; mean age: 15.6 ± 0.5) and one U16 girls team (n = 20; mean age: 14.4 ± 0.7) team. PA levels were assessed using the activPAL accelerometer, and practice session characteristics were determined via video recording and coding.
Results
Findings reveal significant increases in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels during GBA sessions (U17 boys: +21%, p < 0.001; U16 girls: +22%, p < 0.001), eliminating gender disparities observed in baseline sessions. Daily MVPA levels significantly increased during the intervention period (Males: +23.0min, p = 0.003; Females: +18.1min, p = 0.003), with a greater percentage of participants meeting the PA guidelines (Males: +45%; Females: +50%). GBA sessions were characterised by increased time spent in playing form activities (U17 boys: +63.4%, p < 0.001; U16 girls: +42.9%, p = 0.044) and "other" activities (U17 boys: +10.8%, p = 0.010; U16 girls: +11.8%, p = 0.004).
Conclusion
The GBA intervention effectively enhanced PA levels and modified practice session characteristics, demonstrating its potential to promote higher PA engagement and eliminate gender disparities in youth Gaelic football players. These findings suggest that a GBA can be a valuable coaching approach to increase PA levels and prepare players for competitive match-play.
Examining the Influence of Historical Redlining on Firearm Injuries in Current Day Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: So Marianne , Baassiri Mahmoud G El , Price Matthew D , Byrne James P , Haut Elliott R , Nasr Isam W
Published: June 2024

Firearm injuries are a common and major public health problem in Baltimore, Maryland. The city is also one of the first U.S. cities in which the 1930s discriminatory practice of redlining first emerged. This study examines the association between current day firearm injuries and residence in these historically redlined areas at a neighborhood level using zip codes. Firearm injury outcomes in patients who presented to a hospital in Maryland from 2015 to 2020 were measured from the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in conjunction with both geospatial data from Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab’s Mapping Inequality project and population data from the U.S. Census. A redlining score was calculated to represent the extent of redlining in each zip code. Negative binomial regression models were utilized to measure the association between neighborhood zip codes and rate of firearm injuries. Our adjusted regression model shows that for every one-unit increase of the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) redlining score, there is a 2.24-fold increase in the rate of firearm injuries (RR 2.24; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.31, p < 0.001). These findings suggest a strongassociation between historically redlined areas and population risk of firearm injury today. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to this relationship, such as access to firearms or social and economic factors. Overall, our study highlights the potential impact of historical redlining policies on contemporary health outcomes in Baltimore.
Palliative Care Referral Patterns and Implications for Standardization in Cardiac ICU
Authors: Madni Arshia , Matheson Jocelyn , Linz Amanda , Dalgo Austin , Siddique Rumana , Merlocco Anthony
Published: June 2024

Background
Evidence suggests that pediatric palliative care (PPC) is beneficial to medically complex patients. Historically, PPC involvement has been overlooked or delayed and varies by institution but PPC awareness has increased in cardiovascular ICUs (CVICU) and so we investigated frequency and timeliness of PPC referral for patients dying in ICU.
Methods
Retrospective study of pediatric cardiac patients experiencing death in ICU to review PPC presence and timing of initial PPC, most recent PPC, and interventions, therapies, CPR, and presence of do-not-resuscitate DNR discussion.
Results
Fifty-four patients died during a 5-year period aged 11d – 17y (54% male). PPC consultation occurred in 74%. Retroactive application of Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) guidelines, revealed 79% of patients without PPC would have qualified for consultation. Of eligible patients, 67% had PPC within 7 days of death (DOD). Of PPC patients, 50% had PPC on DOD, however for 10% this was their initial PPC. DNR discussion was more likely in PPC patients (63% vs 14%; p = 0.0011), though often only on DOD. Comparing prior to DOD, PPC patients were still more likely to have DNR discussion (55% vs 0%; p = 0.0003). PPC patients were no less likely to have CPR on DOD (28% vs 43%, p = 0.29).
Conclusions
PPC occurred frequently in patients experiencing death in CVICU. However, frequently the initial PPC occurred within a week or day of death. Patients without PPC would often qualify under published guidelines. Standardization, timing, and patient identification for PPC will expand efficacy in CVICU.
A head-to-head comparison of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA in predicting binding affinities for the CB1 cannabinoid ligands
Authors: Yau Mei Qian , Liew Clarence W.Y. , Toh Jing Hen , Loo Jason S.E.
Published: June 2024

The substantial increase in the number of active and inactive-state CB1 receptor experimental structures has provided opportunities for CB1 drug discovery using various structure-based drug design methods, including the popular end-point methods for predicting binding free energies – Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA). In this study, we have therefore evaluated the performance of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA in calculating binding free energies for CB1 receptor. Additionally, with both MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA being known for their highly individualized performance, we have evaluated the effects of various simulation parameters including the use of energy minimized structures, choice of solute dielectric constant, inclusion of entropy, and the effects of the five GB models. Generally, MM/GBSA provided higher correlations than MM/PBSA (rMM/GBSA = 0.433 – 0.652 vs. rMM/PBSA = 0.100 – 0.486) regardless of the simulation parameters, while also offering faster calculations. Improved correlations were observed with the use of molecular dynamics ensembles compared with energy-minimized structures and larger solute dielectric constants. Incorporation of entropic terms led to unfavorable results for both MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA for a majority of the dataset, while the evaluation of the various GB models exerted a varying effect on both the datasets. The findings obtained in this study demonstrate the utility of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA in predicting binding free energies for the CB1 receptor, hence providing a useful benchmark for their applicability in the endocannabinoid system as well as other G protein-coupled receptors.
Hybrid Strategies Using Nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 ) Along with Different Copper Rod Forms (V, U, And I) For Optimizing the Melting of PCM Inside a Semi- Cylindrical Cell: A Numerical Analysis
Authors: Basem ali
Published: June 2024

The storage of renewable thermal, or electrical energy, extends the period during which this energy can be provided on demand. Energy storage technologies can also be used as a measure of the energy efficiency of structures through the intelligent use of cold or hot storage, this reducing the need for heating and cooling in the structure. In this numerical study, copper rods are used in a spherical cell to increase heat transfer to PCM (paraffin wax), this examined using enthalpy-porosity combination, ANSYS/FLUENT 16 software. Paraffin wax RT58 has been used as the phase change material. In order to monitor the melting process inside the container, three different configurations have been tested: spherical cells with no copper rods, with four copper rods and with eight coppers rods. It was found that adding copper rods to the container, speeds up the melting process and decreases the amount of time needed to completely melt the PCM. The time needed to complete the melting process is reduced by 34% and 56% when using four copper rods and eight copper rods, respectively. The higher the number of rods used, the faster the melting rate, this finding of advantage to energy and thermal storage applications.
Evaluating the Impact of On-Chip Centre-Tapped Symmetrical Inductor in the Design of Cross-coupled Oscillators.
Authors: S Shruthi , Lakshminarayana C , G Poornima
Published: June 2024

Oscillators are an integral part of many analog, digital, mixed-signal circuits used in signal/clock generators, PLL, and power clock generators. Cross-coupled LC oscillators are preferred more due to their low-phase noise characteristics. The objective of the proposed paper is to analyse the impact of on-chip Inductor characteristics on the design of the cross-coupled NMOS, PMOS, and CMOS oscillators for oscillation frequency 2.23GHz using an on-chip symmetrical inductor available in gpdk45nm technology with inductance 5nH and capacitance 1.02024pF. For analysis, two variations of inductors are used namely, Ind_A with \({R}_{i}=40.5\mu\) and N=5 and Ind_B with \({R}_{i}=22.5\mu\) and N=7. The proposed circuit preferred PMOS-CAP over NMOS-CAP to obtain large capacitance for the same width and supply voltage. The design and simulations are carried out in the cadence tool in 45nm technology. The inductor characteristics such as self-resonating frequency (SRF), quality factor(Q), bandwidth (BW) parasitic resistance (\({R}_{P})\) and capacitance (\({C}_{P})\) are extracted from the simulation. The simulation result shows that the inductor Ind_B has a higher quality factor, higher parasitic capacitance, lower SFR, and lower parasitic resistance than Ind_A. the oscillators incorporated Ind_B have higher output voltage swing, lower phase noise and higher Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) % than the oscillators incorporated Ind_A. In layout design, the whole circuit is designed within dimensions 200µx150µ, the dimension of Ind_A is 152.4µx146µ and Ind_B is 134.4µx128µ respectively. Parasitic resistance is reduced by using multiple metal layers alternatively. Hence, the post-layout results have variation less than 4% compared to pre-layout results.
Overexpressed amyloid precursor protein, and its C-terminal fragment, augment mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney and adipose tissues in a diet-induced obesity model
Authors: Delport Alexandré , Ally Ebrahim , Maharaj Shantal , Hewer Raymond
Published: June 2024

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpression, and its induced mitochondrial dysfunction, is correlated with tissue stress or damage. The βC-terminal fragment (CTF) of APP has also been implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction however its overproduction in stressed or damaged tissue has rarely been reported. Here, we used long-term high fat diet exposure to inflict whole-body stress in a rodent model and evaluated APP and APP-βCTF level in a panel of tissues. We report that APP level was significantly increased by >2-fold in white adipose tissue and kidney tissue whereas liver and brain tissue levels remained unchanged. We report a significant increase in APP-βCTF level of 3-fold in visceral white adipose tissue and 0.8-fold in kidney tissue. Excess APP and APP-βCTF accumulated in the mitochondria from both adipose and kidney tissues and correlated with a significant reduction of complex I and IV enzyme activity of 53-78% and 70-90%, respectively, suggesting mitochondrial impairment. Lastly, our obese mice experienced elevated creatinine level suggesting initial kidney impairment which may explain the increase of APP in this tissue. Overall, APP upregulation, and a correlated increase in APP-βCTF, as causative agents of mitochondrial impairment, can occur in adipose and kidney tissue in a diet-induced obesity model.
Enhancing Food Security in a Changing Climate: Evaluating Yield Performance and Trait Correlations of Experimental Double Cross Maize Hybrids in Zimbabwe
Authors: Maziriri Nyasha , Mutimaamba Charles , Marowa Prince
Published: June 2024

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cornerstone crop for global food security, yet smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe face formidable challenges due to climate change impacts and the prohibitive costs of maize seeds. This study assessed the grain yield and yield components of experimental double cross maize hybrids (DCH) derived from diverse heterotic combinations, while also exploring correlations between yield and its components. The field experiment which was conducted at Tocek Investments research field in Harare, Zimbabwe comprised of 156 treatments which were laid in an Alpha (0.1) lattice design with two replications. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across various traits. ENT 156 (a single cross commercial check) recorded the highest yield of 16.21 t/ha. This yield was however not significantly different from the yield recorded in ENT 142, ENT 41, ENT 32, and ENT 63. These 4 were all DCH hybrids with yields of 15.1 t/ha, 15 t/ha, 15 t/ha and 14.5 t/ha respectively. Additionally, ENT 63 (DCH) exhibited the highest number of kernels per row (NKR) at 42, while ENT 32 (DCH) recorded the highest number of kernel rows per cob (NKRC) at 15.5. However, no significant differences were detected for the number of ears per plant (NEP) among genotypes. Positive and significant genotypic correlation of grain yield with CL, NKRC, NKR, AD and SD serve as reliable indicators and selecting for them in double cross maize hybrid populations may lead to a substantial improved grain yield. It revealed that such traits strongly influenced grain yield. The genotypic correlation coefficients exhibited greater magnitudes for the majority of the traits in relation to grain yield than the phenotypic correlation coefficients. These findings underscore the potential of high-yielding DCH hybrids in addressing food insecurity among smallholder farmers. It is recommended that further validation of these hybrids under actual farming conditions be conducted to verify their performance and guide adoption strategies, thus offering a promising pathway towards enhanced agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
Selenium nanoparticles ameliorate lumbar disc degeneration by restoring GPX1-mediated redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function of nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: He Wei , Tian Xin , Zhou Quan , Lv Jiaheng , Li Yangfeng , Jin Chenyang , Liu Hao , Yang Huiling , Xu Yong , He Fan , Liu Tao
Published: June 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that involves the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and matrix metabolism imbalance in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Selenium, an indispensable trace element, plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial redox homeostasis by being incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins as selenocysteine. In this study, we employed a straightforward synthesis method to produce selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with consistent size and distribution, and evaluated their potential protective effects in ameliorating IVDD. In a simulated inflammatory environment induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in vitro, SeNPs demonstrated a protective effect on the matrix synthesis capacity of NPCs through the up-regulation of aggrecan and type II collagen, while concurrently suppressing the expression of matrix degradation enzymes including MMP13 and ADAMTS5. Additionally, SeNPs preserved mitochondrial integrity and restored impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism by activating glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) to rebalance redox homeostasis. In a rat lumbar disc model induced by puncture, the local administration of SeNPs preserved the hydration of nucleus pulposus tissue, promoted matrix deposition, and effectively mitigated the progression of IVDD. Our results indicate that the enhancement of GPX1 by SeNPs may offer a promising therapeutic approach for IVDD by restoring mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis.
Artificial Insemination of Mud Crab, Scylla olivacea
Authors: Foroutan Behnam , kongsa Theera , Kanjanasopa Duangkhaetita , Withyachumnarnkul Boonsirm , Pongtippatee Pattira
Published: June 2024

Aiming at solving the problem of crablet production for mud crab commercial farming, an artificial insemination (AI) method in the mud crab, Scylla olivacea, was described. Placing a pair of cathodes to the inner coxa of both sides of the first pair of the pleopod and an anode to the inner abdominal flab upon the hind gut of sexually mature S. olivacea males and applying 5–6 V of DC current for 3–5 sec induced sperm mass expulsion. The sperm mass, comprising several spermatophores containing > 108 sperm/mL, was inserted into the vagina of the newly molted S. olivacea female. Out of 50 female trials, 10 of them developed ovarian maturation within 45 days, and 3 of these 10 crabs spawned. At full maturation of the ovary, needle aspiration of the ovarian tissue examined under light microscopy revealed approximately 50% mature oocytes with elevated fertilization membrane, suggesting successful fertilization. Histological and ultrastructural studies of the spermatheca revealed numerous sperm with acrosome reaction (AR) within its lumen, suggesting fertilization potential of the artificially inseminated sperm. Histologically, the mature ovary at 45 days following AI were composed of mature oocytes surrounded by numerous sperm with AR, suggesting sperm migration from the spermatheca into the ovarian tissue. This study reveals a high possibility of using AI for S. olivacea that could lead to the commercial supply of the crablets and a new insight into the internal fertilization of this economic species.
Diffusion Pattern Mining
Authors: Yan Qian , Yang Yulan , Yin Kai , Gan Ting , Huang Hao
Published: June 2024

In a diffusion network, some nodes exhibit similar diffusion patterns as they have analogous influence reachabilities to the other nodes. When these nodes are selected as initially infected nodes, they tend to yield similar infection results. Mining diffusion patterns of nodes is of practical significance in various applications, such as online marketing and epidemic prevention. Nonetheless, few existing work has effectively addressed this problem. In this work, we investigate how to find out which nodes in a diffusion network share similar diffusion pattern based only on historical infection results. Towards this, we first reconstruct the structure of influence relationships in the network, and then infer the infection propagation probability on each influence relationship, based on which the influence reachability of each node can be estimated. We present a diffusion pattern similarity metric to quantify the similarity of influence reachabilities, and group nodes that share similar influence reachabilities via hierarchical clustering. Extensive experimental results on both synthetic and real-world networks verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach.
Attribute reduction based on a rapid variable granular ball generation model
Authors: Sun Ke , Huang Bing , Wang Tianxing , Li Huaxiong , Wang Xin
Published: June 2024

Attribute reduction is a key step in processing large-scale datasets, where the Granular Ball Neighborhood Rough Set (GBNRS) can significantly enhance the performance of attribute reduction compared to the traditional Neighborhood Rough Set (NRS). However, the GBNRS algorithm faces such challenges as a sharp increase in computational costs in high-dimensional spaces. To address these issues, this study introduces a new granular ball quality index to judge the separability degree of decision classes, and on the basis of this index, a rapid variable granular ball generation model (RVGBGM) is proposed. Compared with GBNRS, RVGBGM has the following advantages: 1) it reduces the number of granular balls and can quickly reflect the separability degree of different decision classes with few granular balls, 2) it constructs granular balls by using label information and shortens the time of granular ball construction, and 3) it can adjust the radius of granular balls adaptively by using parameters to determine the optimal granular ball radius for different datasets. Finally, we compare the RVGBGM algorithm with classical attribute reduction algorithms and the current state-of-the-art granular ball algorithm on 11 datasets. The proposed algorithm significantly improves algorithm efficiency while maintaining high accuracy.
Unraveling the Key Factors Governing O2 Evolution upon Charging a Reversible LiOH-based Nonaqueous Li-O2 Battery
Authors: LIU Tao , Tang Linbin , Li Junjian , Gao Zongyan , Lou Xuechun , Wen Yujie , Chen Junchao , Zhu Zhexuan , Zhou Lina , Chen Zuofeng , Zhao Hongying , Li Tong , Peng Luming , Li Fengting
Published: June 2024

Achieving a highly reversible 4e−/O2 oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an essential yet highly challenging task for nonaqueous LiOH-based Li-O2 batteries, as the kinetically sluggish OER tend to entangle with competing parasitic reactions, whose origins unfortunately remain largely elusive. Here we construct a highly reversible LiOH-based Li-O2 battery using FeCoNi LDH catalysts and tetramethylene sulfone electrolytes. We show that the decomposition of LiOH toward O2 evolution involves the formation of *OH, *HO2− and *H2O2 species but no 1O2. The electrophilic attack of the electrolyte by *OH and the carbon corrosion by LiOH at potentials beyond 3.5 V are primary causes of the irreversibility. We demonstrate that these side reactions can be considerably suppressed by optimizing the solvent | catalyst | electrical conductor interfaces. Our work highlights key strategies for promoting reversible LiOH decomposition via the 4e−/O2 OER, paving the ways towards long-life LiOH-based nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries.