bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limit Cycles of the Three-dimensional Quadratic Differential System via Hopf Bifurcation
Authors: Abddulkareem Aram A. Abddulkareem , Amen Azad I. , Hussein Niazy H.
Published: February 2024

تم في هذه الدراسة النظر في النظام التفاضلي التربيعي ثلاثي الأبعاد، حيث يصبح نقطة الأصل الإحداثيات نقطة توازن هوبف. تم دراسة وجود واستقرار الدورات النهائية التي تنبثق من نقطة هوبف. يتم حساب معاملات ليبانوف المرتبطة بنقطة هوبف باستخدام طريقة الإسقاط. أولاً، تم تحديد أربع عائلات من شروط المعلمات التي من خلالها يمكن للنظام التفاضلي التربيعي ثلاثي الأبعاد أن يظهر البعد الثالث لتشعب هوبف. تم إعطاء الدليل التحليلي لكل مجموعة من الحالات المعلمية عن طريق حساب معاملات ليبانوف، تصفير لقيمة معاملات ليبانوف الأولى و الثاني و غيرالصفري لمعاملات ليبانوف الثالثة. تم تقديم الشروط الواضحة لوجودية واستقرارية ثلاث دورات النهائية ناشئة عن كل عائلة من تشعبات هوبف. يُظهر ناتج الوجود نقطة هوبف مستقرة (غير مستقرة)، مصحوبة بظهور دورتين حديتين مستقرتين (غير مستقرة) جنبًا إلى جنب مع دورة حدية واحدة غير مستقرة (مستقرة) في جوار النقطة الأصل غير المستقر (المستقر) لنظام المعادلة التربيعية ثلاثية الأبعاد. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يتم استخدام النتيجة لاستكشاف الدورات النهائية لنظام الجذب الفوضوي n-scroll، والذي له العديد من الاستخدامات العملية، بما في ذلك الاتصال الآمن، والتشفير، وتوليد الأرقام العشوائية، والروبوتات المتنقلة المستقلة. تم اشتقاق الشروط التي بموجبها تصبح نقطة الأصل لهذا النظام هي نقطة هوبف، ويمكن أن توجد ثلاث دورات نهائية حول نقطة هوبف. وأخيرًا، توضح العروض العددية أن النظام يخضع لتشعب هوبف فوق الحرج، مما يؤدي إلى دورتين حديتين مستقرتين وواحدة غير مستقرة. وعلاوة على ذلك، تم التحقق من كافة النتائج.
Análisis de los componentes de la infraestructura verde como estructurante urbano de la Av. Pastor Sevilla, distrito de Villa El Salvador, Lima
Authors:   , Moncca Santos Hans Daril
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo analiza los componentes de la infraestructura verde como estructurantes urbanos de la avenida Mariano Pastor Sevilla en el distrito de Villa el Salvador, Lima, Perú, vía planificada que une 3 parques zonales urbanos, sin embargo, se puede observar la desconexión de estos parques, porque no tienen relación con ningún otro elemento del territorio y están convirtiéndose en zonas aisladas. Por ello, se identificó y analizo la infraestructura verde y sus componentes como la conectividad ecológica, la multifuncionalidad y la accesibilidad a la población para demostrar la potencialidad de la avenida como estructurante lineal urbano. La metodología es descriptiva, analítica y una orientación transversal al 2021, siendo el instrumento fundamental el mapeo espacial. Se concluye que los componentes de la infraestructura urbana están presentes en bajo porcentaje y nivel de aceptación, pero con la potencialidad de mejorar y convertir la avenida en un estructurante urbano que conecta los 3 parques zonales.
Valor diagnóstico de oscilometría para predecir la positividad del índice predictivo de asma, en niños menores de 6 años con sibilantes recurrentes, en la Clínica Anglo Americana, durante el periodo 2020
Authors:   , Yaco Quispe Juan Carlos
Published: February 2024

Introducción: El asma es un problema inflamatorio, de curso crónico, cuyo principal fenómeno es la obstrucción del flujo aéreo asociado a hiper reactividad bronquial. Ante la posibilidad de realizar espirometría, se establece el índice Predictor de Asma (IPA), cuya positividad establece un riesgo 7 veces mayor de sufrir asma atópica en edad escolar en relación con los pacientes con un IPA negativo. La oscilometría de impulso (IOS) provee de una alternativa que viene siendo recomendada para el diagnóstico de asma en niños preescolares con sibilancias dadas las dificultades para la realización de la espirometría. Objetivos: Evaluar el valor diagnóstico de IOS para predecir la positividad de IPA en niños menores de seis años con sibilantes recurrentes, describir los parámetros de resistencia y reactancia de la oscilometría forzada de impulso, en niños menores de seis años con sibilancias recurrentes, valorar la frecuencia del riesgo para desarrollar asma bronquial a partir de la aplicación del IPA en niños menores de seis años con sibilantes recurrentes, evaluar los parámetros de asma a través de la oscilimetria forzada de impulso, en la clínica anglo americana, durante el periodo 2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo Luego de la recolección de datos estos serán ingresados a una base de datos, el digitador realizará el ingreso de los datos en el programa SPSS 23.0, luego de ello se realizará el análisis correlacional, según la naturaleza de las variables, se aplicará el test de Chi cuadrado o t de Student. IC 95%, con nivel de significancia < 0,005.
Revisión sistemática: asociación entre el aborto inducido, farmacológico y quirúrgico, y el desarrollo de depresión
Authors:   , Montoya Gambini Nadia Jenniffer Stefany , Apaza García Jessica Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Identificar la evidencia disponible sobre la asociación que existe entre el aborto inducido, de tipo farmacológico y quirúrgico, y el desarrollo de depresión en la mujer. Métodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de cohorte retrospectivo y prospectivo con metaanálisis que evaluaron la asociación entre aborto inducido, de tipo farmacológico y de tipo quirúrgico, y el desarrollo de depresión posterior a este. El presente estudio sigue los lineamientos para revisiones sistemáticas del Manual Cochrane de revisiones sistemáticas de intervenciones. Se realizó una búsqueda de los estudios utilizando las bases de datos de PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science. La calidad de los estudios se realizó utilizando como herramienta la escala de Newcastle-0ttawa Scale (NOS, por sus siglas en ingles). Resultados: Se descubrió una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la depresión y el aborto inducido cuando se realizó la evaluación posterior a un año (OR 1.37, IC95% 1.09 – 1.71). Conclusiones: Se observó una asociación entre aborto inducido y depresión. En general la literatura médica no muestra evidencia disponible que sugiera que el aborto inducido otorgue a las mujeres efectos terapéuticos en la disminución de los riesgos para la salud mental de los embarazos no deseados. Las consecuencias psiquiátricas del aborto inducido no deben ser subestimadas o minimizadas, por tanto, los médicos deben evaluar la depresión y salud mental en mujeres con antecedente de aborto inducido y advertir de su impacto en la salud mental a las mujeres que deseen someterse a un aborto inducido.
La educación ambiental en el ejército del Perú una propuesta de parque temático, Lima 2018
Authors:   , Ochoa Garmendia Judith Maritza
Published: February 2024

En el pasado, los emplazamientos creados con un propósito militar, en el mundo, fueron establecidos atendiendo a concepciones estrictamente estratégicas y/o de defensa, sin tener en cuenta, los aspectos ambientales, como la naturaleza y la biodiversidad, de las zonas que estaban siendo ocupadas, generando impactos diversos. Esto ha cambiado. Hoy en día, la preservación del medio ambiente es un imperativo y uno de los grandes desafíos para las Fuerzas Armadas. De un lado, por la existencia de estrictas legislaciones, y de otro, porque les demanda tomar previsiones para evitar afectaciones, sobre todo, en zonas donde es vital mantener el equilibrio entre frágiles ecosistemas de alta biodiversidad y las necesidades típicas de una población de militares, en su mayoría jóvenes soldados, que deben permanecer en esas agrestes zonas años de su vida para darle protección. Para abordar la situación problemática antes descrita, el presente trabajo pretende sustentar la propuesta de un Parque Temático Ambiental, como una alternativa para contribuir a la educación ambiental del personal militar del Ejército del Perú, así como, sostener los esfuerzos de esta institución, en materia de prevención, mitigación y adaptación a los problemas ambientales que las actividades y maniobras de las guarniciones militares puedan generar, en las etapas de pre operación, operación y cierre, de manera que su personal pueda operar sus bases, en condiciones de sostenibilidad ambiental, sobre todo en las más alejadas zonas, en las que muchas veces, son la única presencia y autoridad visible del Estado y por ende, su único medio de protección y preservación.
Professional mobility of young graduates in Côte d'Ivoire: characterization and analysis of the determinants
Authors: Abou Pokou Edouard , Kouakou Kouadio Clément , Wapo Hilaire , Assi Bertrand Sylvestre
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to identify the determinants of the professional mobility of young graduates employed in Côte d'Ivoire. Data from the skills-employment mismatch survey carried out by the Microeconomic Research Centre for Development (CREMIDE) in 2017 with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) served as a framework for analysis. The probit model with selection made it possible to highlight major determinants of the occupational mobility of young employees. This model corrects for possible endogeneity bias. Thus, the salary, the degree level, the size of the company, the number of years of experience represent the main determinants of the professional mobility of the employees in Côte d’Ivoire.
Jel classification : J24, J60, J81
Effect of biopsychosocial comprehensive chronic pain management physiotherapy Practice protocol in patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain - a randomised trial
Authors: ALAGAPPAN THANGAMANI RAMALINGAM , Roy Sudipta Tamaal
Published: February 2024

Background Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a common condition treated by health care professionals including physiotherapists with increasing prevalence and causing disability and reduced quality of life. However, most of the treatments used are mainly biomedical yielding constrained outcomes and not in line with current clinical practice guidelines, which suggest the use of a biopsychosocial approach as the first-line treatment. A physiotherapy practice protocol based on neuro pain education, cognitive behaviour modification and self-management strategies is developed, which will be evaluated through a clinical trial and could transform the physiotherapy primary care practice according to the recommendations of the clinical practice guidelines. Methods A Randomised, single-centre clinical trial will be carried out to compare the effect of a Comprehensive chronic musculoskeletal Pain management (CCPM) which consists of 16 sessions weekly twice for 8 weeks Neuroscience Education program (4 sessions, 4 hrs)cognitive behaviour modification program(6 sessions,6 hrs),self-management strategies(4 sessions, 4 hrs) and revision of the program (2sessions, 2 hrs) along with usual care physiotherapy treatment for thrice weekly for 8weeks, with standardised physiotherapy thrice weekly for 8 weeks as control group. The study aims to evaluate the effect of CCPM intervention on central sensitisation, as well as on Fear avoidance, pain, disability, and pain self-efficacy The outcome variables will be measured at the beginning of the intervention and after 8 weeks Discussion The management of CMP pain can be improved by taking a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. However, the current healthcare system poses constraints to accessibility. It is necessary for physiotherapy practices to adopt a multi-dimensional pathway of treatment that considers all the bio-psychosocial factors during treatment sessions, rather than just following a bio-model pathway of management.Trial registration: CTRI/2023/05/053340 [Registered on: 31/05/2023] - Trial Registered Prospectively [https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=96706.77723 ]
Numerical modeling of the largest event recorded in the most susceptible area to debris flow in Brazil
Authors: CORREA Claudia Vanessa dos Santos SANTOS , Reis Fábio Augusto Gomes Vieira , Giordano Lucília do Carmo , Cabral Victor Carvalho , Veloso Vinícius de Queiroz , D’Affonseca Fernando Mazo
Published: February 2024

Debris flows are rapid downslope, gravity-driven movements of highly viscous, dense and concentrated/hyperconcentrated fluid materials. In Brazil, the most susceptible area to this type of mass movement comprises the oriented foothills of Serra do Mar. Several numerical modeling approaches have been created to measure, identify, predict and monitor debris flow. Rapid mass movement simulation (RAMMS) is a single-phase numerical model that describes the flow frictional behavior using the Voellmy relation. In this work, the RAMMS method is applied to model the debris flow event that occurred in 1967 in Caraguatatuba (State of Sao Paulo). Induced by heavy rains, this debris flow event is one of the largest recorded in Brazil, with more than 100 deaths and major socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Back-analysis studies are applied to assist the model setup and the results evaluations. The simulations suggest that debris flows in the Serra do Mar region are strictly granular, and the debris are preferentially deposited in regions with low slopes (< 5°). The model results can be used to support political and engineering actions aimed at mitigating the effects of future events.
Simulation of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing of Dissimilar Transition Joint in Steel-Aluminum
Authors: Silva Nilo Nogueira , Coelho Fagner Guilherme Ferreira , Sade Wagner
Published: February 2024

Dissimilar welding of non-ferrous metals can present difficulties since it can result in the formation of very fragile intermetallic compounds. The aim of this study was therefore to perform a computer simulation of the interaction between steel and aluminum using alloy UNS N06625 or copper as the transition joint, with a view to the deposition of dissimilar materials using the wire arc additive manufacturing process. The computer simulation was carried out using Simufact Welding® software, observing the characteristics of the part before carrying out the deposition process, determining the probable properties and dilutions of the selected materials, and the distortions and residual stresses of the part produced. Through this study, it was possible to evaluate the characteristics of the deposition of dissimilar materials by applying alloy UNS N06625 or copper as a transition joint between steel and aluminum and to predict the properties of the part produced by different welding processes.
Multisensory experiences of affective touch in virtual reality enhance engagement, body ownership, perceived pleasantness, and arousal modulation
Authors: Sun Wenhan , Banakou Domna , Świdrak Justyna , Valori Irene , Slater Mel , Fairhurst Merle
Published: February 2024

When engaging in physical contact, our emotional response hinges not only on the nuanced sensory details and the receptive properties of the skin but also on contextual cues related to the situation and interpersonal dynamics. The consensus is that the nature of the affective interactive experience in social touch is shaped by a combination of ascending, C-tactile (CT) afferents mediated somatosensory information, and modulatory, top-down information. The question we pose here is whether, in the absence of somatosensory input, multisensory cues alone can suffice to create a genuinely pleasant, authentic, and engaging experience in virtual reality. The study aims to explore how affective touch is perceived in immersive virtual environments, considering varied social norms in neutral settings or settings like a physiotherapy room where the touch provider is a healthcare professional. We conducted an experiment with 58 male and female healthy adults, where we employed a within-group counterbalanced design featuring two factors: (a) visuo-tactile affective touch, and (b) visual-only affective touch. Findings, drawn from questionnaires and collected physiological data, shed light on how contextual factors influence implicit engagement, self-reported embodiment, co-presence, as well as the perceived realism and pleasantness of the touch experience. Our findings, in line with the literature, indicate that to experience the advantages of touch in immersive virtual worlds, it is essential to incorporate haptic feedback, as depending solely on visual input may not be adequate for fully realizing the optimal benefits of interpersonal touch. Furthermore, in contradiction with our hypothesis, a less ambiguous context (specifically, the physiotherapy room and touch from a physiotherapist) is not linked to heightened touch pleasantness.
Eccentric compressive tests and analytical study of RC columns strengthened with cementitious grout under small eccentric compression
Authors: Peng Gang , Hu Xiaopeng , Niu Ditao , Zhong Shuai
Published: February 2024

In this paper, compressive tests of RC columns strengthened with cementitious grout under small eccentric compression were performed to explore the strengthening response. The effects of reinforcement position and thickness on the failure modes, bearing capacity, ductility, and stiffness of the columns were analyzed. Results indicated that the bearing capacity and corresponding deflection of the columns increased gradually with the increase of reinforcement thickness, and the enhancements in bearing capacity of compressive-side strengthened columns were obviously greater than that of the tensile-side strengthened columns. Simultaneously, the ductility coefficients presented a decreasing trend with the increase of reinforcement thickness while the influence of reinforcement position on the ductility coefficients of the columns did not show consistent variations. Moreover, the stiffness degradation rate of the compressive-side strengthened columns was slower than that of tensile-side strengthened columns, and the stiffness degradation rate of the columns decreased with the increase of the reinforcement thickness. Thereafter, a rational calculation method for predicting the bearing capacity of the columns strengthened with cementitious grout under small eccentric compression was proposed.
A robust optimisation genetic algorithm for HDR prostate brachytherapy including all major uncertainties I: Algorithm implementation
Authors: Kennedy Andrew C. , Douglass Michael J. J. , Santos Alexandre M. C.
Published: February 2024

Introduction
In high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy, uncertainties cause a deviation from the nominal treatment plan, leading to a possible failure of clinical objectives in the delivered scenario. Robust optimisation has the potential to maximise the probability that these objectives are met during treatment.
Method
A computationally efficient probabilistic robust optimisation algorithm was developed and evaluated comprehensively on one patient by comparing it to the treatment-planning-systems (TPS) optimised plan. Three objective functions were maximised within a genetic algorithm (NSGA-ii), each an approximation for robustness against uncertainty for three clinical objectives: the minimum dose to the hottest 90% of the prostate target, , and the maximum doses to the urethra, ,and the rectum, . The approximations are derived from a probabilistic robust evaluation algorithm incorporating 14 major planning and treatment uncertainties. The robustness of a plan was quantified as a pass-rate from 500 probabilistic uncertainty scenarios for , and .Two hundred robust-optimised plans are generated that are the best trade-off between the three-competing DVH metric pass-rates.
Results
The robust-optimised plans on average (mean) increased in overall robustness by 58.5±3.0%(SD: 7.1%, min: 34.1%, max: 67.7%) compared to the TPS-optimised plan. The robustness increase for the pass-rate was 31.2±2.2%(SD: 15.6%, min: -5.1%, max: 46.7%), for the pass-rate, the increase was 48.2±2.6%(SD: 11.9%, min: 26.9%, max: 67.7%), and for the pass-rate, the change was 0.0±1.1%(SD: 0.72%, min: -2.6%, max: 0.4%).
Conclusion
The robust optimisation algorithm was demonstrated to produce more robust plans than the TPS, in an increased probability of target coverage and organs-at-risk sparing within a clinically reasonable time.
Investigating the efficacy of radiotherapy and photodynamic treatments using gold nanoclusters carrying 5-aminolevulinic acid on the K562 cell line
Authors: Khosravi Hossein , Saeedi Soheila , Goodarzi Alireza , Nikzad Safoora , Amiri Fatemeh , Farmani Abbas
Published: February 2024

Background
In this study, a nanosystem of gold particles functionalized with aminolevulinic acid was used in combination with radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy on the K562 cell line to increase treatment efficacy. One of the benefits of performing this project is to investigate the effects of two combined methods—radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy—on cancer cell lines, which are expected to be useful in cancer treatment.
Methods
The MTT test was used to assess cell viability. First, approximately 10,000 cells were seeded in 96-well plates. The cells were kept in an incubator for 24 hours and then treated with 1.25, 0.625 or 0.3125 mg/mL nanoparticles. In the next step, the plates were treated with a laser for 60 seconds and then 2 or 4 Gy doses of X-rays with an energy of 6 megaelectron volts or vice versa. Cell counting was performed using a slide hemocytometer. To measure MTT levels, commercial kits were used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Results
The results of this study showed that the most effective treatment method was laser irradiation before X-rays were applied at a dose of 4 Gy to K562 cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles (4 Gy X-ray + nano + laser before), for which the average survival rate was 27.0120%.
Conclusions
The results of this study showed that gold nanoparticles can be investigated and used as a new treatment option for all types of cancer as a complement to photodynamic therapy and radiation therapy.
A Study on the Feasibility of Optimizing Gastric Cancer Screening to Reduce Screening Costs in China Using a Gradient Boosting Machine: A prospective, large-sample, single-center study
Authors: Fu Xin-yu , Qi Rongbin , Xu Shan-jing , Huang Meng-sha , Zhu Cong-ni , Wu Hao-wen , Ma Zong-qing , Song Ya-qi , Liu Zhi-cheng , Tang Shen-Ping , Lu Yan-di , Yan Ling-ling , Li Xiao-Kang , Liang Jia-wei , Mao Xin-li , Ye Li-ping , Li Shao-wei
Published: February 2024

Background and aim:
The current cancer screening model in our country involves preliminary screening and identification of individuals who require gastroscopy, in order to control screening costs. The purpose of this study is to optimize the screening process using Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM), a machine learning technique, based on a large-scale prospective gastric cancer screening dataset. The ultimate goal is to further reduce the cost of initial cancer screening.
Methods
The study constructs a GBM machine learning model based on prospective, large-sample Taizhou City gastric cancer screening data and validates it with data from the Minimum Security Cohort Group (MLGC) in Taizhou City. Both data analysis and machine learning model construction were performed using the R programming language.
Results
A total of 195,640 cases were used as the training set, and 32,994 cases were used as an external validation set. A GBM was built based on the training set, yielding area under the curve (AUC) and area under the precision-recall curve (AUCPR) values of 0.99938 and 0.99823, respectively. External validation of the model yielded AUC and AUCPR values of 0.99742 and 0.99454, respectively. Through a visual analysis of the model, it was determined that the variable for Helicobacter pylori IgG could be eliminated. The GBM model was then reconstructed without the H. pylori IgG variable. In the training set, the new model achieved an AUC of 0.99817 and an AUCPR of 0.99462, whereas in the external validation set, it achieved an AUC of 0.99742 and an AUCPR of 0.99454.
Conclusion
This study utilized a dataset of 230,000 samples to train and validate a GBM model, optimizing the initial screening process by excluding the detection of H. pylori IgG antibodies while maintaining satisfactory discriminative performance. This conclusion will contribute to a reduction in the current cost of gastric cancer screening, demonstrating its economic value. Furthermore, the conclusion is derived from a large sample size, giving it clinical significance and generalizability.
Efficacy of Intrathecal Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Neural Progenitor Therapy in Progressive MS: Results from a Phase II, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Harris Violaine K , Stark James , Williams Armistead , Roche Morgan , Malin Michaela , Kumar Anjali , Carlson Alyssa L , Kizilbash Cara , Wollowitz Jaina , Andy Caroline , Gerber Linda M , Sadiq Saud A
Published: February 2024

Background
Mesenchymal stem cell-neural progenitors (MSC-NPs) are a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived ex vivo manipulated cell product with therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine efficacy of intrathecal (IT) MSC-NP treatment in patients with progressive MS.
Methods
The study is a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a compassionate crossover design conducted at a single site. Subjects were stratified according to baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (3.0-6.5) and disease subtype (secondary or primary progressive MS) and randomized into either treatment or placebo group to receive six IT injections of autologous MSC-NPs or saline every two months. The primary outcome was EDSS Plus, defined by improvement in EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) or nine-hole peg test. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of EDSS Plus, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), urodynamics testing, and brain atrophy measurement.
Results
Subjects were randomized into MSC-NP (n = 27) or saline (n = 27) groups. There was no difference in EDSS Plus improvement between the MSC-NP (33%) and saline (37%) groups. Exploratory subgroup analysis demonstrated that in subjects who require assistance for ambulation (EDSS 6.0-6.5) there was a significantly higher percentage of improvement in T25FW and 6MWT in the MSC-NP group (3.7% ± 23.1% and − 9.2% ± 18.2%) compared to the saline group (-54.4% ± 70.5% and − 32.1% ± 30.0%), (p = 0.030 and p = 0.036, respectively). IT-MSC-NP treatment was also associated with improved bladder function and reduced rate of grey matter atrophy on brain MRI. Biomarker analysis demonstrated increased MMP9 and decreased CCL2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid following treatment.
Conclusion
Results from exploratory outcomes suggest that IT-MSC-NP treatment may be associated with a therapeutic response in a subgroup of MS patients.
Trial Registration
: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03355365, registered November 14, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03355365?term=NCT03355365&rank=1.
Association between preconception and early pregnancy exposure to fine particulate matter and neural tube defects: A nested case-control study
Authors: Chuang Bao-Ru , Lee Chung-Chin , Lin Yu-Ting , Jung Chau-Ren , Chen Mei-Ling , Hwang Bing-Fang
Published: February 2024

Background
Although several environmental factors may increase the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), the association between exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and NTDs is not completely understood.
Objectives
This study aimed to exam the association between expoure to PM2.5 and NTDs during preconception and early pregancy and determine the crucial time windows.
Method
We conducted a nested case-control study from the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database between 2004 and 2017. We applied satellite-based models with a 1 km resolution to estimate the weekly average PM2.5 from 3 months before conception to the first trimester of pregnancy. We used conditional logistic regression with distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs) to assess the effects of weekly average PM2.5 on the risk of NTDs and exposure-response relationships.
Results
We identified 13,676 incident NTD cases in 2,640,709 participants. There were significant associations between exposure to PM2.5 from 3 months before conception to the first trimester of gestation and the risk of NTDs (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16; 95% confidence incidence [CI]: 1.13, 1.18 per 10 µg/m3 changes), anencephaly (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.75 per 10 µg/m3 changes), encephalocele (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.57, 1.87 per 10 µg/m3 changes), and hydrocephalus (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.19 per 10 µg/m3 changes). In DLNMs, the risk of NTDs increased from 10 weeks before conception to 19 weeks of gestation. The effects of preconception and early pregnancy exposure to PM2.5 on the risk of NTDs were considerably stronger in pregnant women with diabetes and preeclampsia and infants with low birth weight (< 2,500 g) than those without these conditions.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that exposure to PM2.5 during preconception and early pregnancy may increase the risk of NTDs in offspring. Moreover, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia increase the risk of NTDs associated with maternal exposure to PM2.5.
Characteristics, Outcomes and Prevalence of Pregnant Women with Placenta Accreta Spectrum in Black Lion Hospital - Five years retrospective study , Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Mohammed Fuad Ahmed , Wube Yared Tesfaye , Gondere Fikremelekot Temesigen , Tesfaye Kiflom
Published: February 2024

Background
Placenta accreta spectrum is known to be associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality usually because of catastrophic hemorrhage during delivery. The Prevalence rates ranged from 0.01 to 1.1% with an overall pooled prevalence of 0.17% (95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.19). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics and outcome of pregnant mothers with placenta accreta spectrum in black lion hospital.
Methodology: An institution based
cross-sectional study from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. FIGO classification system for the clinical diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorder were used to define cases and enroll the participants. Data was cleaned, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 statistical software and MS excel. Descriptive statistics were used to describe baseline characteristics.
Result
From the 24,844 deliveries, prevalence of cesarean delivery- 37.3%; prevalence of placenta accreta spectrum to be 0.1% (1 out of 994) and of which, 16 (64%)- abnormally adherent type (grade 1) and 9 (36%)-abnormally invasive type [grade 2 (24%) and grade 3 (12%)]. Placenta accreta spectrum was suspected prenatally in 28% of the mothers. Risk factors identified in 92% (23 out of 25) of the mothers were either placenta previa or cesarean delivery; in 60% (15 out of 25) of the mothers both placenta previa and prior cesarean delivery. Average estimated blood loss of 1568 (± 849) ml and 17 out of 25 (68%) were transfused. There was no maternal death and intensive care unit admission.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The prevalence of cesarean delivery is very high as compared to the national figure. Antenatal suspicion or prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum is very low thus all pregnant mothers with risk factors especially mothers with cesarean delivery and placenta previa should be screened for placenta accreta spectrum. Mothers with suspected placenta accreta spectrum should be managed with optimal preparation as possible.
Assessing Water Quality in Rivers Flowing into the Caspian Sea in term of pollution using Water Quality Indices and Remote Sensing indices
Authors: Mokarram Marzieh , Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2024

Ensuring the water quality of the rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea is crucial for preserving the delicate ecosystem and safeguarding the environmental health of the region. In this study, objectives encompassed determining water quality using various indices, creating zoning maps through ordinary kriging to identify contamination locations, employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify crucial parameters, and establishing the relationship between water quality indices and spectral reflections. The results revealed significant variations in pollution levels across the studied rivers. The Haraz River exhibited the highest chemical pollution (chemical Water quality index (WQI: 0.87), while the Talar River demonstrated the highest physical WQI (6.36) and overall water pollution (6.53). Additionally, the Babolroud River registered the highest pollution in the Dissolved Oxygen Deficit Index (DODI) (84.12) and Dissolved Oxygen Saturation (Dosat) (7.45), while the Talar River topped Domeasured (18), and both the Talar and Haraz rivers were identified as the most polluted based on the Pollution Load Index (PLI) (26.21) and Eutrophication Index (EI) (120.68), respectively. Utilizing the PCA method highlighted the pivotal role of the chemical WQI (-0.932 and − 0.896) in assessing water quality in the Babolroud and Talar Rivers, while the Dosat index (0.943) emerged as crucial for accurate evaluation of the Haraz River. Further analysis of the relationship between water quality and remote sensing indices revealed the pronounced association of unveiled the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) index pronounced association with chemical WQI in the Talar River (coefficient: -0.705) and the robust correlation between Dosat and the MNDWI in the Haraz River (correlation rate: -0.824). Conversely, the Talar River exhibited a direct correlation between the chemical WQI and BSI (correlation level: 0.827), indicative of increased turbidity.
Artificial Honeybee Colony Algorithm: An Adaptive Optimization Method for Generating Migrating Search SpacesOptimization Method for Generating Migrating Search Spaces
Authors: Nichols Alec Chandler , Mulani Sameer B , Phillips Sean
Published: February 2024

Leveraging the adaptive characteristics of biological superorganisms, the Artificial Honeybee Colony (AHC) algorithm is an agent-based algorithm that integrates pollination models, particle swarm dynamics, and mutualistic plant-pollinator relations to generate new solution spaces and search for and generate resilient (or optimal) solutions to complex or nonlinear problems. The search space or environment adapts as solutions propagate using a density clustering algorithm, where only the higher quality solutions survive to cultivate into increasingly denser clusters via a pollination model. For verification, the AHC's capabilities were tested against particle swarm optimization and gradient descent with golden sections search for five benchmark functions given three different initial guesses ranging in proximities to the optimal solution. The AHC outperformed the other two methods in all five tests, locating optimal solutions in every case regardless of the initial guess' proximity to the optimum. Additionally, a global sensitivity analysis determined the most sensitive tunable parameter to be the pollination cluster radius, which determines the area new solutions appear within at each iteration via pollination. The results of these tests and applications demonstrate how the AHC's adaptive characteristics are beneficial in optimizing the resilience of highly interconnected, nonlinear, or complex problems where the user may have little to no former knowledge or intuition.
Colony discrimination and competition in the eusocial trematode, Himasthla rhigedana
Authors: Whyte Brian Anthony , Cash Elizabeth , Tsutsui Neil
Published: February 2024

The California horn snail (Cerithideopsis californica) hosts a diverse community of trematode parasite species, yet these species rarely co-occur in the same host. Some trematodes in this community competitively exclude conspecifics and heterospecifics using a soldier caste. How these trematodes can distinguish colonymates from competitors is unknown. Here we examine patterns of colony discrimination in Himasthla rhigedana, a marsh-dwelling species of parasitic trematode that possesses a soldier caste in their intermediate snail hosts. Aggression assays pairing colonies against multiple opponents demonstrate that H. rhigedana distinguish between conspecific colonies, consistently directing more attacks towards colonies collected from a distant marsh. We demonstrate that conspecific interactions between colonies are predominantly symmetrical (both colonies attack during encounters), and that the likelihood of aggression is the same whether the attacker soldier is “sterile” (soldier redia with no germinal balls) or an “intermediate” (soldier redia with developing germinal balls). Recognizing heterospecific or conspecific threats is a necessary function for the evolution of soldier castes, which almost exclusively occur within eusocial insects. By finding parallels in disparate phyla, our results in H. rhigedana provide a foundation for understanding the evolution of colony discrimination generally, as well as in trematode species and other parasite taxa with similar competitive interactions.
SAG1.3-derived Frizzled-targeting negative allosteric modulators
Authors: Schulte Gunnar , Grätz Lukas , Turku Ainoleena , Kozielewicz Pawel , Bowin Carl-Fredrik , Scharf Magdalena , Voss Jan , Kinsolving Julia , Shekhani Rawan , Oliva-Vilarnau Nuria , Koolmeister Tobias , Körber Marlies , Lauschke Volker , Löber Stefan , Gmeiner Peter
Published: February 2024

Exaggerated Wingless/Int1 (WNT)/Frizzled (FZD) signaling contributes to pathologies including fibrosis and different forms of cancers. Thus, targeting FZDs as WNT receptors for therapeutic purposes constitutes a promising intervention if the imminent risk of unwanted side effects caused by the involvement of WNT/FZD signaling in stem cell regulation and tissue homeostasis can be controlled. Here, we derivatize SAG1.3, which acts through FZD6 as a partial agonist. Screening of SAG1.3 derivates identified compound 11 that competed with BODIPY-cyclopamine binding at different FZDs and inhibited WNT-induced FZD dynamics and β-catenin signaling in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, compound 11 blocked WNT-3A-induced Axin2 and Lgr5 gene expression in human primary hepatocyte spheroids and reduced the viability of RNF43-mutated but not RNF43-wildtype pancreatic cancer cells. The small molecule acted as a paralog-nonselective negative allosteric modulator acting by limiting WNT- and WNT-surrogate induced receptor dynamics providing a valid proof-of-concept for targeting FZDs with small molecule compounds.
Association of dietary nutrient density with the risk of sarcopenia and its components in Chinese adults from Henan province
Authors: Zhai Junya , Ma Baihui , Zhang Xu , Lyu Quanjun , Guo Lijun , Khatun Pipasha , Liang Rui , Cong Minghua , Wu Hongbo , Kong Yongxia
Published: February 2024

Objectives
The Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) Index is one of the critical elements of diet quality based on nutrient density. NRF9.2 is a validated tool to assess dietary quality among Chinese adults from Henan province. Previous studies showed that lifestyle interventions may prevent or delay sarcopenia. Nutrient density has not yet been evaluated concerning muscle health. Therefore, the association between the NRF9.2 index and the risk of sarcopenia and its elements was explored based on a cross-sectional study of general Chinese adults from Henan Province.
Methods
A total of 631 individuals aged 18–75 years recruited in three communities in Henan, China. The criteria for defining sarcopenia were updated by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019. The NRF9.2 index was calculated based on nine beneficial nutrients and two nutrients to limit, using the algorithm based on sums and 100 kcal. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of sarcopenia and its elements associated with nutrient density.
Results
A total of 353 non-repetitive foods consumed by subjects were scored using the NRF9.2 algorithms. Vegetables, bacteria and algae, dried beans, products, fruits, and fish had higher NRF9.2 scores, while fast food, alcoholic beverages, sugar, preserved fruits, beverages, and seasonings had lower NRF9.2 scores. After multiple adjustments, participants with the highest NRF9.2 score (the fourth quartile) had a 55% lower risk of low grip strength than those in the lowest group (the first quartile) [OR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21,0.93)]. The NRF9.2 score was not related to the risk of sarcopenia, ASMI, or gait speed.
Conclusion
After multiple adjustments, participants with high nutrient density had a low risk of low grip strength than those with low nutrient density. These results revealed that the nutrient density model can help individuals make healthy food choices and build a healthy diet to decrease the risk of low grip strength.
Numerical Modeling of Cough Aerosol Transmission in an Upward-moving Escalator With Multi-objective Optimization Using the Genetic Algorithm for Covid-19 and Other Airborne Diseases
Authors: Ali Abu Raihan Ibna , Mohee Faizul M. , Freire-Gormaly Marina
Published: February 2024

Escalators have been recommended instead of elevators during the COVID-19 pandemic since it allows transportation for a large number of people without being enclosed in a small indoor space. Escalators have a tremendous capacity to move large numbers of people and are commonly used in various public facilities such as shopping centers, supermarkets, airports, and subways. This current study focused on investigating the transmission of cough droplets from an infected source person traveling on an Upward Moving Escalator (UME) using the ANSYS FLUENT. The Eulerian-Lagrangian method combined with two-way coupling was used to numerically obtain the aerosol transport, spatial distribution, and deposition information in the UME. The effect of UME operational speed and Relative Humidity (RH) was also investigated through multiphase flow. Finally, multi-objective optimization was performed using a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The investigation revealed that the hand railings were one of the most susceptible contaminated surfaces to the expelled respiratory droplets. The cough droplets expelled from the mouth entered the recirculation zones via the upper portion of the shoulder and wake zone behind the torso. The droplets contaminated the lower portion of the human body at lower operational speed if another passenger stood two steps behind the infected person. Higher operational speeds and lower RH demonstrated higher penetration lengths. The optimization indicated higher operational speed and lower RH to maintain lower concentration with higher penetration length.
Predicting the properties of fruit chemicals using neural networks
Authors: Han Junming , Li Tong , He Yun , Yang Ziyi
Published: February 2024

As a kind of machine learning method, neural networks have made significant breakthroughs in various fields in the past few years, especially in the fields of text, speech, images, videos, etc., where data is unstructured, traditional machine learning hardly exceeded ’glass ceiling’, So many researchers have turned to using neural networks as auxiliary tools, achieve significant breakthroughs, or found new research methods. In the computational chemistry field, neural networks have ubiquity and broad applicability to a range of challenges, including virtual screening, quantitative structure-activity relationship, protein structure prediction, materials design, quantum chemistry, and property prediction. So, this paper proposes an efficient way that use graph neural networks to predict the properties of chemicals in fruits, and this research aims to provide some guidance to researchers and shorten the cycle of identifying chemicals.
Clinical outcomes and predictive factors of stent grafts treatment for symptomatic central venous obstruction in end stage kidney disease patients with arteriovenous access
Authors: liu yamin , wang yufei , wang xinfang , zhang beihao , lu xiaoqing , liang xianhui , wang pei
Published: February 2024

Aim
To assess the effectiveness and predictive factors of stent grafts (SGs) for the treatment of central venous obstruction disease (CVOD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous (AV) access.
Methods
HD patients with CVOD who underwent SGs at our center between August 2018 and June 2022 were enrolled. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used for survival curve analysis. SGs.
Results
59 SG implantation procedures for CVOD were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression for the predictive factor analysis. Thirty subjects had stenosis and 29 had occlusion. The access circuit primary patency (ACPP) after SG placement at 6, 12, and 24 months was 80.9%, 53.8%, and 31.4%, respectively. The target lesion primary patency (TLPP) after SG placement at 6, 12, and 24 months were 91.3%, 67.6%, and 44.5%, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, the TLPP was higher in the stenosis group than in the occlusion group, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.165). The TLPP of procedures post-SG placement was significantly improved compared to that before SG placement (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that a target lesion length ≥ 30 mm and procedural defects were independently associated with a lower TLPP after SG treatment for CVOD in HD patients.
Conclusion
SG placement is safe and effective for the treatment of CVOD in HD patients. SG improves the TLPP of endovascular therapy (EVT) for CVOD. A target lesion length ≥ 30 mm and procedure defects were predictive factors for TLPP.
Identification of Polymorphisms and Genetic Diversity Studies of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3(IRF3) Gene in Muturu,White Fulani and N’Dama Cattle
Authors: Mohammed Abubakar Akinfolarin , Ozoje Micheal , De Campos John , Ikeobi Christian , Talabi Adewale , Durosaro Samuel , Ilori Babatunde , Aderoju Johnson
Published: February 2024

Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is one of the strongest positional candidate genes implicated in a host of health-related phenotypes such as general disease resistance. The study was carried out to genetically characterize the IRF3 gene in the, N’Dama, Muturu and White Fulani cattle. DNA was extracted from the blood samples using the Zymo-spin extraction kit. ARLEQUIN 2.0001 software was used to estimate the basic population genetic statistics while DnaSP version 5.10.01 was used to estimate genetic diversity indices and test for deviation from neutrality. A total number of 18 and 29 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed after using the software called codon code aligner in exons 1–2 and 5–6 of the IRF3 gene respectively in the three cattle breeds after polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. In exons 1–2, the Muturu (MU) possessed the highest value of SNPs (16) and genetic diversity indices, while the N’Dama (ND) possessed the least (1). In exons 5–6, the highest value of SNPs (14) was observed in the White Fulani and the genetic diversity indices was also high while the Muturu had the least. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) carried out for the loci under consideration revealed a higher level of variation among populations than within populations. It was therefore concluded that the IRF3 gene had many polymorphisms and was highly diversified in Nigerian cattle breeds.