bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random packing in three dimensions
Authors: Song Chaoming
Published: June 2023

Unraveling the complexities of random packing in three dimensions has long puzzled physicists. While both experiments and simulations consistently show a maximum density of 64 percent for tightly packed random spheres, we still lack an unambiguous and universally accepted definition of random packing. This paper introduces an innovative standpoint, depicting random packing as spheres closest to a set of quenched random points. We furnish an efficacious algorithm to probe this proposed model numerically. We unearth a unique out-of-equilibrium thermodynamic phenomenon, akin to a ‘latent heat’, that emerges at ϕJ ≈ 0.645 in three dimensions. This phenomenon is accompanied by global and local structural rearrangements, marking a jamming transition from an unjammed state to a jammed one. Notably, such a ‘jamming’ transition is absent for two-dimensional random packing. Our innovative approach paves a new avenue for defining random packing and provides novel insights into the behavior of amorphous materials.
GLP-1 RA treatment improves the secretory function and proliferation of pancreatic β-cells with ABCC8 dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xi Yanghua , Wang Jiancheng , Zeng Sha , Chen Cuiyun , Xiao Shengqun , Liu Jianying
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are used to treat type 2 diabetes, but whether GLP-1 RAs have therapeutic effects on diabetes associated with ABCC8dysfunction remains elusive.
Methods: We created pancreatic MIN6 cells that overexpressed wild-type and mutant ABCC8. We assessed their proliferation using MTT and measured insulin and C-peptide secretion through ELISA. Additionally, we studied the proliferation and insulin/C-peptide secretion of pancreatic β-cells in mice with adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying wild-type and mutant Abcc8. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of a GLP-1 RA (liraglutide) on the proliferation and secretory function of MIN6 cells and pancreatic β-cells in T1DM mice expressing mutant ABCC8 using ELISA and immunofluorescence.
Results: We found that MIN6 cells that overexpress wild-type ABCC8 secrete more insulin and C-peptide than control cells, while MIN6 cells expressing mutant ABCC8 secrete lower levels of insulin and C-peptide than control cells. In the fasting T1DM mice, overexpression of wild-type ABCC8 accelerated glucose consumption, repressed glucagon level, and elevated insulin and C-peptide secretion. By contrast, overexpression of mutant ABCC8 slightly impaired insulin and C-peptide secretion in MIN6 cells and reduced expression of insulin in the pancreatic β-cells of T1DM mice. In addition, we observed that treatment of MIN6 cells and T1DM mice that overexpress mutant ABCC8 with liraglutide can substantially stimulate the proliferation and secretory function of the affected pancreatic β-cells.
Conclusion: GLP-1 RA is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetes caused by ABCC8 dysfunction.
A randomized controlled trial of an mHealth intervention for gay and bisexual men’s mental, behavioral, and sexual health in a high-stigma, low-resource context: Project Comunică protocol
Authors: Lelutiu-Weinberger Corina , Filimon Mircea , Hoover Donald , Lixandru Mihai , Hanu Lucian , Dogaru Bogdan , Kovaks Tudor , Fierbinteanu Cristina , Ionescu Florentina , Manu Monica , Maris Alexandra , Pana Elena , Dorobantescu Cristian , Streinu-Cercel Adrian , Pachankis John
Published: June 2023

Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 80% of new HIV diagnoses in 2014 in Europe occurred in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Romania has particularly high HIV incidence, AIDS prevalence, and AIDS-related deaths. HIV incidence today in Romania is largely attributed to sexual contact among gay and bisexual men (GBM). However, homophobic stigma in Romania keeps GBM out of reach of the scant available prevention services and serves as a risk factor for HIV. The Comunică intervention delivers motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy skills across eight live text-based counseling sessions. Preliminary evidence suggests that Comunică possesses promise for reducing GBM’s co-occurring mental (e.g., depression), behavioral (e.g., heavy alcohol use), and sexual (e.g., HIV-transmission-risk behavior) health risks in Romania and perhaps other similar high-stigma national contexts. This paper describes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to test the efficacy of Comunică.
Methods
To test Comunică’s efficacy, 305 GBM were randomized to receive Comunică or a content-matched education attention control condition. The control condition consists of eight time-matched educational modules that present information regarding GBM identity development, information about HIV transmission and prevention, the importance of HIV/STI testing and treatment, heavy alcohol use and its associations with HIV-transmission-risk behavior, sexual health communication, finding social support, and creating sexual health goals. Outcomes are measured pre-intervention (baseline), and at 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-ups. The primary outcome is frequency of condomless anal sex acts with HIV-positive or unknown-status partners outside of the context of one’s own adherent PrEP use or primary partner’s adherent PrEP use or undetectable viral load in the past 30 days at each follow-up. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, heavy alcohol use, and HIV/STI testing; motivational and stigma-related mechanisms of intervention efficacy will also be examined.
Discussion
If found to be efficacious, Comunică presents a scalable platform to provide mental, behavioral, and sexual health support to GBM living in Romania and similar high-stigma, low-resource areas within the CEE region and beyond.
Trial registration
Registered April 11, 2019 to ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03912753.
Use of professional home care in persons with spinal cord injury in Switzerland: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wagner Aylin , Brach Mirjam , Scheel-Sailer Anke , Friedli Manuela , Hund-Georgiadis Margret , Jordan Xavier , Schubert Martin , Gemperli Armin
Published: June 2023

Background
Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community often require care. The boundaries between professional home care and informal care are blurred, and it is unclear who the typical user of home care is. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of persons with SCI using professional home care in Switzerland, determine the frequency of home care visits, and investigate the association of sociodemographic factors, SCI-specific characteristics, secondary health conditions, and functional independence with the use of home care.
Methods
We used cross-sectional data from the 2017 community survey of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI). Out of 3,959 eligible individuals 1294 completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis (response rate 33%). Using descriptive statistics, differences between home care users and non-users as well as the frequency of home care visits were investigated. The association between sociodemographic factors, SCI-specific characteristics, secondary health conditions, functional independence and the use of home care was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data.
Results
Of 1,294 participants, 280 (22%) used professional home care. The median hours of professional home care received per week was 6 hours (Q1 = 2, Q3 = 12). More home care was used in persons with lower functional independence (Odds ratio (OR) 0.30 per 10 unit decrease in the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-SR), 95%-Confidence interval (CI) 0.24–0.37), fewer secondary health conditions (OR 0.96 per unit SCI-SCS, 95%-CI 0.94–0.99), tetraplegia (OR 2.77, 95%-CI 1.92-4.00), women (OR 2.42, 95%-CI 1.70–3.43), higher age (OR 1.22 per 10 years increase, 95%-CI 1.06–1.39), living alone (OR 2.48, 95%-CI 1.53–4.03), and those receiving support from an informal caregiver (OR 1.88, 95%-CI 1.27–2.77).
Conclusions
This is the first study to examine the use of professional home care from the perspective of persons with SCI in Switzerland. Functional independence was found to be a strong predictor of home care use. The findings showed that professional home care complements informal care and is more likely to be used by individuals with SCI who live alone, have tetraplegia, and are female.
Implementation of Stream Cipher RC4 in the Regime of Quantum Communication with QKD
Authors: Sharma Navneet , Kumar Pravindra , Gautam Kumar
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the process of implementation of RC4 encryption algorithm in the field of Quantum information i.e., Quantum version of classical RC4 approach. Quantum cryptography is the prime member of Quantum information theory. One of the Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol say BB84 is used to implement classical RC4 in to Quantum regime for secure communication. The Qubit uploader circuit based on classical (binary) bits for initialization of Quantum states is presented. The Qubit uploader circuit is implemented using Toffoli gates to upload four classical bits into three Qubits state. The working of RC4 for
Qubit (Quantum data) is presented with one letter of Devanagari script say :. The process of successful en-
cryption and decryption of message data : with Quantum version of RC4 logic for secure communication is
presented.
Analysis of friction ridge evidence for trace amounts of paracetamol in various pharmaceutical industries by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Czarnomska Martyna , Lewkowicz Aneta , Pierpaoli Mattia , Gruszczyńska Emilia , Kasprzak Magdalena , Gryczyński Zygmunt , Bojarski Piotr , Steinborn Sławomir , Woźniewski Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

The detection of potentially harmful substances as well as those dangerous to life is a multifaceted challenge. On the one hand, it can directly save lives, on the other hand, it can help and improve the work of the police, increasing effectiveness of the investigation. The research carried out within the framework of this study is primarily aimed at identifying paracetamol in fingerprints, taking into account situations of direct contact of a person with paracetamol chronically or in a single high dose. The identification procedure presented, using Raman spectroscopy, aims to rapidly identify the xenobiotic after ingestion by the person - requires touching the tablet with the fingers, which we can name as touch evidence in forensic science investigation. In addition, the authors focus on the effect of additives present in drugs containing paracetamol as the main active ingredient. The results of the screening obtained will allow us to analyze the composition of drugs in terms of potentially toxic substances and their impact on the physicochemical activity of the active substance itself. The research methodology developed also allows for the quick detection of other substances dangerous to life and health, such as amphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, or morphine. In addition to the preventive function, it is also a new solution in the field of forensic methods.
U-shaped Association Between Mean Platelet Volume And Short-term Survival In Chinese Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Huang Yuan-lei , Zhou Qi , Zheng Tao
Published: June 2023

Background:
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) has been proposed as a potential predictor of increased mortality risk at 6 months among Chinese patients with heart failure (HF). However, the current evidence supporting this association is limited.
Methods:
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MPV and HF short-term survival status. The data was obtained from a publicly accessible HF database in Zigong, Sichuan, and included information on 2008 Chinese patients. Baseline MPV was considered as the exposure while HF short-term survival status was the outcome. Two models, a binary logistic regression model and a two-piecewise linear model, were used to analyze the data.
Results:
The study revealed a U-shaped relationship between MPV and all-cause mortality in HF patients. When MPV levels were less than 9.8, every unit increase in MPV was associated with a 91% reduction (RR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.03-0.24; P=0.0001) in the risk of death over the next six months. In contrast, at MPV levels above 9.8, each unit increase in MPV was linked to a 27% increase (RR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01-1.61; P=0.0434) in the probability of dying within the same period. Stratification by obesity status revealed no significant association between MPV and death in the obese population, while the same U-shaped association was observed among non-obese participants.
Conclusion:
The present study provides evidence of a U-shaped association between MPV and short-term survival in Chinese patients with heart failure. These findings suggest that MPV may serve as a potential prognostic marker for HF. However, further studies are needed to validate these results and to explore the underlying mechanisms of this association. The observed U-shaped association did not apply to obese patients, suggesting that the effect of MPV on mortality risk in HF patients may be influenced by body weight.
Long-term mindfulness meditators exhibit increased spontaneous occurrence of brain states involving sensory and attention networks
Authors: Panitz Daniel Yochai , Mendelsohn Avi , Cabral Joana , Berkovitch-Ohana Aviva
Published: June 2023

Interest has been growing in the use of mindfulness meditation (MM) as a therapeutic practice, as accumulating evidence highlights its potential to improve various mental functions and effectively address a range of mental conditions. Among the various hypotheses, a shift in the sense-of-self has been proposed as a possible core mechanism of MM, towards enhanced embodied cognition (related with self-specific processing), and away from narrative reflection (related with self-related processing). While fMRI studies focusing on neural activation and functional connectivity generally support this notion, the impact of MM practice on dynamic functional connectivity remains unclear. To fill this gap, in this study, the dynamics of intrinsic functional networks were compared between experienced MM practitioners and age-matched meditation-naïve control participants, to investigate the impact of long-term MM practice on the dynamic expression of resting state networks over time. Our analysis revealed that, when compared to meditation-naïve participants, experienced meditators at rest tend to spend more time in two brain states that involve cortical regions associated with sensory perception, with a heavy emphasis on visual processing. The opposite was found to occur in a brain state involving areas associated with higher cognitive functions and executive control. These findings suggest that MM might lead to a shift from an emphasis on executive control towards enhanced sensory and embodied processing. These results support the notion that long-term MM favors network states associated with self-specific processes and decrease the occurrence of states associated with self-related executive control. Overall, this study reinforces the utility of dynamical systems theory to extend current knowledge regarding the effects of MM on brain function.
Temporal, drug dose, and sample size trends in the efficacy of omalizumab for chronic spontaneous urticaria: a cumulative meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Haiyan , Xiao Xianjun , Qin Di , Cao Wei , Wang Lu , Xi Menghan , Zou Zihao , Yang Qian , Chen Sijue , Liu Huilin , Li Ying , Shi Yunzhou
Published: June 2023

Omalizumab is a humanized anti-IgE, which is indicated for managing chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The dynamic change trend of the efficacy of omalizumab for CSU is unclear. We searched Cochrane, OVID, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of omalizumab versus placebo in CSU patients from inception to January 2023. The primary outcome was the percentage of complete responders (defined as the weekly urticaria activity score as 0, UAS7 = 0). Secondary outcomes were the percentage of participants with UAS7 ≤ 6, the percentage of weekly itch severity score minimally necessary difference responders (defined as a reduction from baseline in ISS7 of ≥ 5 points, ISS7 MID), and adverse events (AEs). 12 randomized, placebo-controlled studies with 2166 patients with CSU were included. Compared with the placebo, the omalizumab group significantly improved UAS7 = 0, UAS7 ≤ 6, and the percentage of ISS7 MID responders. Over the order of publication time, drug dose, and sample size increased, the efficacy had become more stable and accurate. It was recommended to increase studies with high quality and large samples and to reduce blind repetitive RCTs to avoid wasting scientific and medical resources.
Assessment of the early impact of different doses of radiotherapy on bone structure in mice using Micro-CT Scanning and biomechanical testing
Authors: Jia Cheng , Yang Hui , Xin Yue , Li Changqin , Yao Qianqian , Liu Qi , Hu Bei , Yuan Xiaoqing , Qin Jian
Published: June 2023

Objective: To establish a mice model of systemic bone injury induced by different doses of radiation, and evaluate the effects of different radiation doses on bone microstructure and biomechanical properties.
Methods and materials: Forty female healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (N = 8 in each group): the control group (0 Gy) received no irradiation, the other four groups received single dose whole body irradiation of 1 Gy, 3 Gy, 6 Gy, 9 Gy, respectively. One week after irradiation, bilateral femurs and L5 lumbar vertebrae were dissected completely for micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) scanning, biological modulus detection and histomorphological observation. One-way design analysis of variance was used for comparison of measurement data among groups, and two-by-two comparisons between groups were performed using the Dunnet Test.
Results: Compared with the control group ,the differences of the bone microstructure indexes in low-dose group (1 Gy), including BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, Tb.Pf , Conn.D and Ct.Th, were not statistically significant (P>0.05), but the elastic modulus decreased significantly (P<0.05). In high-dose groups (3 Gy, 6 Gy, 9 Gy) , BV/TV, Tb. N, Conn.D decreased significantly (P<0.05) ,
Tb. Sp and Tb.Pf increased significantly (P<0.05) and elastic modulus decreased significantly (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Low-dose (1 Gy) radiotherapy had little effect on bone microstructure, but significant effect on bone biomechanical properties; while higher dose radiotherapy had both significant effect on bone microstructure and biomechanical properties, which leaded to the destruction of bone microstructure and the decrease of bone strength.
Seasonal variation in growth rates of stalked barnacles (Lepas spp.): A proxy for floating time in temperate marine ecosystems
Authors: Goehlich Henry , Luna-Jorquera Guillermo , Picard André-Philippe Drapeau , Pantoja José , Tala Fadia , Thiel Martin
Published: June 2023

Gooseneck barnacles of the genus Lepas are sessile crustaceans settling and growing on free-floating substrata. They can be used as indicators for floating time of objects such as plastic, algae, airplane wrecks or human corpses. Precise estimates of floating time are only possible when accurate growth rates of Lepas are known. However, many factors modulate the growth of these crustaceans, making floating time estimates difficult. In this study, we measured growth rates of L. australis and L. anatifera in the Central Humboldt Current System over two consecutive summer and winter seasons. Growth patterns were best described by a logistic growth curve. Using the asymptotic value (maximum size) for each species and each season, we selected the linear phase of growth to fit simple predictive linear models to estimate floating time. Growth rates of L. anatifera were almost twice as high in the warmer summer months compared to the winter season suggesting that growth rates are strongly associated with temperature. Consequently, seasonal or regional growth rates are required to precisely estimate floating time of objects at sea.
Emergence of Hexahydrocannabinol as a psychoactive drug of abuse in e-cigarette liquids
Authors: Hachem Mayssa , Alkhuwaildi Buthaina , Tamim Fayza Bin , Altamimi Mohamad J.
Published: June 2023

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have tremendously grown into societies. Due to the absence of regulation and standardization in their production, electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) present a complex matrix and a debate on their use and efficiency within the public health community. E-liquids are introduced into a delivery device that might include drugs of abuse such as cannabinoids. Despite the health problems associated, novel cannabis vaporizer ingredients continue to arise, such as Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Dronabinol (aka Δ9-THC) and Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). The aim of the present study was to investigate drugs of abuse in e-cigarettes seized by Dubai Police. Four e-liquids were analyzed through Gas Chromatography-Electron Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (GC-EI-MS). Our results showed that all seized e-cigarettes contained HHC and Dronabinol whereas 75% of samples contain Δ8-THC. Our study revealed a rapid and sensitive GC-MS approach to detect newly trending cannabinoids in a short period of time (30 min/sample) in e-liquids. These findings could be helpful in further investigations considering the rapid evolution of e-cigarettes as mean for delivery of drugs of abuse and the critical need to make lawmakers aware of the legal loopholes used by manufacturers where “legal” drugs of abuse can be delivered to your door without consequences for the sellers.
Impact of a pneumatic surgical robot with haptic feedback function on surgical manipulation
Authors: Ueda Yuichiro , Miyahara So , Tokuishi Keita , Nakajima Hiroyasu , Waseda Ryuichi , Shiraishi Takeshi , Sato Toshihiko
Published: June 2023

Although robotic-assisted surgery has the advantages of low patient burden and high precision without unsteady hand movements, the lack of tactile sensations may result in unexpected iatrogenic organ damage. The Saroa (Riverfield Inc., Tokyo, Japan) is a pneumatically driven robot that provides real-time haptic feedback to the surgeon. Using the Saroa robot, six examinees performed puffed rice transfer and four of them performed pig lung resection tasks with the feedback function turned on and off. The puffed rice transfer task consisted of transferring 20 grains of puffed rice from the left to the right compartment in the training box. The mean grasping forces during the puffed rice transfer task with the haptic feedback function turned on and off were 0.63 N and 2.14 N, respectively (P = 0.003). The mean grasping forces during the pig lung resection task were lower with the feedback turned on than turned off. The force applied to the forceps was weaker in both tasks when the haptic feedback function was turned on, suggesting that the feedback function allows gentler handling of tissues, improving patient safety during robotic surgery.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the distribution of potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate in water
Authors: jing xianwu , Zhou Lang , Li Shengtao , Xu Yuan , Liu Qiang , Fu Ziyi
Published: June 2023

We used the molecular dynamics method to simulate the behavior of potassium perfluorohexanesulfonate (KPFOS) in water/gas system. The results indicate that PFOS-can spontaneously migrate to the water/gas interface and form a layered structure with hydrophobic tail chains facing the gas phase and hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups immersed in the water phase, while some PFOS-molecules within the solution formed spherical micelles. Both the number density and charge density distributions confirm that PFOS-and K+are mainly distributed at the water/gas interface, and a small amount of PFOS-and K+are distributed in the bulk solution. Based on the results of radial distribution function, the probability of K+appearing near oxygen atoms in PFOS-is very high due to electrostatic attraction. Based on the IGMH analysis, the oxygen atoms in PFOS-can form multiple hydrogen bonds with adjacent water molecules, while there is only weak van der Waals interaction between K+and water molecules.
The learning curve for modified hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy
Authors: Shang Limin , Zheng Mengmeng , Wang Zhipeng , Zhu Yichen
Published: June 2023

Background: We aimed to introduce our modified hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy (HARPLDN) technique and define the learning curve.
Methods: One hundred thirty-eight kidney donors who underwent modified HARPLDN by the same surgeon between May 2015 and March 2022 were included. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) learning curve analysis was performed with the total operation time as the study outcome.
Results: In total, the mean operative time was 138.2±32.1 min. The median warm ischemic time (WIT) and estimated blood loss were 90 s and 50 ml, respectively. The learning curve for the total operative time was best modeled as a second-order polynomial with the following equation: CUSUMOT (min) = (–0.09 case number2) + (12.88 case number) – 67.77 (R2 = 0.7875; p＜0.05). The CUSUM learning curve included the following three unique phases: phase 1 (the initial 41 cases), representing the initial learning curve; phase 2 (the middle 43 cases), representing expert competence; and phase 3 (the final 54 cases), representing mastery. The overall 6-month graft survival rate was 99.3%, with 94.9% immediate onset of graft function without delayed graft function and 0.7% ureteral complications.
Conclusions: Our modified method is safe and effective for living donor nephrectomy and has the advantages of a shorter operating time and optimized WIT. The surgeon can become familiar with the modified HARPLDN after 41 cases and effectively perform the next 97 cases.
Comparative Analysis of the Expansion Rate and Soil Erodibility Factor of Some Gullies in Nnewi and Nnobi, Southeastern Nigeria.
Authors: Nzereogu Stella Kosi , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Emeh Chukwuebuka Odinaka , Ukor Kelechi Paulinus , Echezona Pearl Elochukwu
Published: June 2023

The study involved an integration of field observations, geotechnical analysis, slope stability analysis, gully expansion rate analysis and determination of the soil erodibility factor (K). Fifteen representative gullies were studied extensively. The Grain size distribution analysis revealed that the soils are composed of gravel (5.77–17.67% and 7.01–13.65%), sand (79.90-91.01% and 82.47–88.67%), and fines (2.36–4.05% and 3.78–5.02%) for Nnewi and Nnobi respectively. The cohesion and internal friction angle values range from 1–5kPa and 2-5kPa and from 29–38° and 30–34° for Nnewi and Nnobi respectively, which suggests that the soils have low shear strength and are susceptible to shear failure. The plasticity index (PI) of the fines showed that they are nonplastic to low plastic soils and highly liquefiable with values ranging from 0–10% and 0–9% for Nnewi and Nnobi respectively. Slope stability analysis gave factor of safety (FoS) values in the range of 0.50–0.76 and 0.82–0.95 for saturated condition and 0.73–0.98 and 0.87–1.04 for unsaturated condition for both Nnewi and Nnobi respectively indicating that the slopes are generally unstable to critically stable. The erosion expansion rate analysis for a fifteen-year period (2005–2020) revealed an average longitudinal expansion rate of 36.05m/yr and 10.76m/yr for Nnewi and Nnobi gullies respectively. The soil erodibility factor (K) are 8.57x10− 2 and 1.62x10− 4 for Nnewi and Nnobi respectively indicating that the soils in Nnewi have higher erodibility potentials than those of Nnobi. Conclusively, both the Nnewi and Nnobi areas are highly prone to erosion.
A Comprehensive Exploration of the Relationships between Structural Vulnerability Factors and Gestational Weight Gain Pre-COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Labonté Jocelyne M , Clark Emily , Dumas Alex , Savard Claudia , Fournier Karine , O’Connor Sarah , Morisset Anne-Sophie , Fontaine-Bisson Bénédicte
Published: June 2023

Background:Insufficient and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have emerged as rising public health concerns affecting the majority of pregnant women in high-income countries, and are associated with a multitude of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. The goal of this scoping review was to identify key structural vulnerability factors related to GWG and to examine the extent, range, and nature of research examining associations between those factors and GWG before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: Electronic searches were performed in October 2018, and updated in August 2019 in the databases MEDLINE(R) ALL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Sociological Abstracts. Studies included needed to be set in high-income countries, have pregnant participants and an observational methodological design with inferential statistics performed between one or more structural vulnerability factors and GWG.
Results: Of the 11,382 citations identified through database searches, 157 articles were included in the review. The structural vulnerability factors most commonly studied in association with GWG were race and ethnicity (n=91 articles), age (n=87), parity (n=48), education (n=44), income (n=39), marital status (n=28), immigration (n=19) and abuse (n=12). Moststudies were conducted in the USA (77%), a majority reported significant associations between these factors and GWG and 34% were specific to a population where all individuals were affected by one of more structural vulnerability factors. Race and ethnicity stood out as the most extensively studied factor; i.e., for the longest period (since 1976), with the highest number of published articles, the largest sample size (n=7,966,573) and the second highest (79%) proportion of studies reporting a significant relationship with GWG, with immigration status having the highest proportion (95%).
Conclusions: To advance knowledge on the causes and consequences of excessive and insufficient GWG, research should extend beyond the USA and adopt an intersectional approach to unravel the complex interplay between social context, interacting structural vulnerability factors and specific measures of GWG. Such knowledge is required for the prevention of detrimental impacts on both maternal and offspring health.
The Effects of Medial Soft Tissue Release for Varus Deformity during Medial Open Wedge Supramalleolar Osteotomy: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Kwak Dai-Soon , Woo Inha , Lee Jung-min , Park Chul Hyun
Published: June 2023

Background
The supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) can redistribute the mechanical axis and balance the load on the joint in the varus ankle osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate not only the effect of fibular osteotomy but the effects of release of medial soft tissue (posterior tibialis tendon (PTT), deep deltoid ligaments) which act as medial stabilizing structures in medial open wedge SMO.
Methods
Twelve fresh frozen human legs were obtained and disarticulated below the knee. All experiments were conducted in four steps. First, medial open wedge tibial osteotomy was done. Second, a fibular osteotomy was performed in an inferomedial direction at the same level as that of the tibial osteotomy. Third, the deep deltoid ligament was released from the tibial attachments. Last, the total tenotomy of the PTT was performed behind the medial malleolus. After finishing each step, contact area, peak pressure and mean pressure were measured in the tibiotalar and talofibular joints.
Results
Fibular osteotomy after medial open wedge SMO significantly decreased the mean and peak pressures in the talofibular joint. The medial soft tissue release showed a remarkable lateral shift and decrease in tibiotalar joint loading.
Conclusions
Surgeons should take into account these effects of fibular osteotomy and medial soft tissue release in open wedge SMO. Adequate release of the deltoid ligament and PTT could be a useful technique to minimize the tibiotalar joint stress.
Finite-temperature critical behaviors in 2D long-range quantum Heisenberg model
Authors: Zhao Jiarui , Meng Zi Yang , Qi Yang , Song Menghan , Rong Juncheng
Published: June 2023

The well-known Mermin-Wagner theorem prohibits the existence of finite-temperature spontaneous continuous symmetry breaking phase in systems with short-range (SR) interactions at spatial dimension $D\le 2$. For long-range (LR) interaction with monotonic power-law form ($1/r^{\alpha}$), the theorem further forbids a ferro- or antiferromagnetic order at finite temperature when $\alpha\ge 2D$. However, the situation for $\alpha \in (2,4)$ at $D=2$ is beyond the predicting power of the theorem and the situation is still unclear. Here we address this question by large-scale quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations, accompanied with field theoretical analysis. We find the spontaneous breaking of the $SU(2)$ symmetry for $\alpha \in (2,4)$ in ferromagnetic Heisenberg model with $1/r^{\alpha}$ interaction at $D=2$, and obtain the accurate critical exponents by finite-size analysis for $\alpha<3$ where the system is above the upper critical dimension with Gaussian fixed point and for $3\le\alpha<4$ where the system is below the upper critical dimension with non-Gaussian fixed point. Our results reveal the novel critical behaviors in 2D LR Heisenberg models and will intrigue further experimental studies of quantum materials with LR interaction beyond the realm of the Mermin-Wagner theorem.
Interaction of genital microbiota in infertile couples
Authors: Baud David , Peric Adriana , Vidal Angela , Weiss Jürgen M. , Engel Philipp , Das Sudip , Stojanov Milos
Published: June 2023

Background
Bacteria colonise most of the human body and the genital tract is not an exception. While it has been known for decades that a vaginal microbiota exists, other genital sites have traditionally been viewed as sterile environments, with bacterial presence associated only with pathological conditions. However, recent studies identified specific patterns of bacterial colonisation in most genital sites. Shifts in the bacterial colonisation of the female genital tract have been linked to impairment of reproduction and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth. The goal of this project is to understand the association between the genital microbiota of couples seeking assisted procreation aid and the outcome of this treatment. Male and female partners were considered as a unit (“couple microbiota”) and the interaction between their microbiota will be evaluated.
Results
We have characterised microbial samples coming from vaginal and penile swabs, as well as follicular fluid and semen, using next generation sequencing (16S rRNA profiling). The results revealed variability in bacterial biomass across different sample types, with Lactobacillus spp. dominating in vaginal and follicular fluid samples. Male samples exhibited higher diversity and harboured bacterial genera previously associated with negative obstetrical and gynecological outcomes. In addition, we found evidence of inter-partner microbiota interaction, indicating possible bacterial transmission between partners.
Conclusions
With this project, we aimed to gain a better understanding of how the male genital microbiota could influence the lower (vagina) and upper (follicular fluid) female genital tracts. Our results suggest a very limited impact of male microbiota on the female bacterial colonisation, although the information about the sexual activity of the couples involved in the study was missing. Future research should focus on understanding the influence of sexual activity on microbial composition and stability in different genital sites, especially in the case of infertile couples.
A Post-Topology Optimization Process for Overhang Elimination in Additive Manufacturing: Design Workflow and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Ibhadode Osezua , Zhang Zhidong , Bonakdar Ali , Toyserkani Ehsan
Published: June 2023

Although structural design complexities do not potentially pose challenges to many additive manufacturing technologies, several manufacturing constraints should be considered in the design process. One critical constraint is the structure's unsupported or overhanging features. If these features are not reduced or eliminated, they can cause a decline in part surface quality, inhibit print success, or increase production time and cost due to support removal. To eliminate these features, a new post-topology optimization strategy is proposed. The design problem is first topologically optimized, then boundary identification and overhang detection are carried out. Next, additional support-free struts subject to a specified thickness and angle are introduced to support previously detected infeasible features. This addition can increase the structure’s volume; therefore, an optional volume correction stage is introduced to obtain a new but lower volume fraction which will be used in the final topology optimization, boundary identification, and overhang elimination stages. Experimental and numerical load-displacement relationships are established for varying overhang angle thresholds and minimum feature sizes.
Diffusion of Innovation: A 10 Year Review of the Adoption of Robotics in Fellowship Training
Authors: Weis Joshua J. , Wilson Erik , Tellez Juan , Scott Daniel
Published: June 2023

Background: Robotic assisted surgery has existed for 20 + years but uptake has been slow among general surgery specialties. This study aimed to exam utilization trends in robotic general surgery in the decade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We reviewed 10 years of Fellowship Council case logs from the 2010 academic year to the 2019 academic year. The mean volumes of robotic cases per fellow were compared using ANOVA. We also stratified cases into six index categories (i.e. bariatric, foregut, colorectal, major HPB, inguinal hernia, and ventral hernia) for additional analysis. We also analyzed the stage of adoption of robotic surgery according to the popular diffusion of innovation theory.Results: We analyzed 648,858 cases performed by 2,099 fellows (mean 309 cases/fellow/year). The mean robotic volume grew from 3.6 robotic cases per fellow in 2010 to 49.5 robotic cases per fellow in 2019 (p < 1x10− 33). As a share of all cases performed, robotic surgery within FC fellowships grew from 1.3% of all operations in 2010 to 15.1% of all operations in 2019. Early in the decade, robotic utilization and growth was restricted to innovators and early adopters; however, significant growth in utilization by the early majority started in 2014 and was sustained for the remainder of the decade. Utilization among the late majority began increasing late in the decade but remains low overall.Conclusions: Utilization of robotics in general surgery is growing rapidly across multiple case types and projects to overtake laparoscopy as the dominant approach in Fellowship Council programs by 2024.
Correlations of anterior and posterior corneal parameters in Chinese myopic patients
Authors: Hu Yijun , Wang Yanfang , Du Zijing , Zhu Shanqing , Xiong Lu , Fang Xuejun , Zhou Jin , Zhang Qingsong , Lei Xiaohua , Li Yanbin , Zeng Jin , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2023

Background Whether the correlations between anterior and posterior corneal parameters vary according to different conditions is unknown.Methods A total of 8365 myopic eyes having refractive surgery between 2017 and 2019 from multiple ophthalmic centers were consecutively included in the study. All the eyes underwent routine ocular examinations including corneal Scheimpflug imaging. Pentacam data of the eyes were retrieved from the machine and only results with image quality labelled with ‘OK’ were included. The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal curvature, astigmatism, eccentricity and asphericity were assessed using Spearman’s correlation test by grouping the eyes via different myopic groups and different quantile levels of six corneal and anterior chamber parameters (Sim Km, pachy apex, corneal volume and diameter, anterior chamber height and volume).Results Strongly negative anterior-posterior correlations of the mean corneal curvature were observed, with similar correlation coefficients in all the myopic groups (R: -0.85 to -0.88). The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal astigmatism (R: 0.65 to 0.75), eccentricity (R: 0.27 to 0.38) and asphericity (R: 0.29 to 0.41) were all positive, with the correlation coefficients slightly different between the myopic groups. The anterior-posterior correlations of mean corneal curvature were strongly negative with similar correlation coefficients in all the quantile groups of six corneal and anterior chamber parameters (R: -0.84 to -0.91), except Sim Km (R: -0.36 to -0.64). The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal astigmatism were all positive with the correlation coefficients slightly different between the quantile groups of SimKm (R: 0.66 to 0.74). The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal eccentricity (R: 0.30 to 0.44) and asphericity (R: 0.33 to 0.45) were positive and slightly different between the quantile groups of SimKm, pachy apex and corneal volume.Conclusion The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal curvature, astigmatism, eccentricity and asphericity are affected by the severity of myopia and some other corneal parameters.
A Transformer-based Algorithm for Automatically Diagnosing Malaria Parasite in Thin Blood Smear Images Using MobileViT
Authors: Marefat Abdolreza , Joloudari Javad Hassannataj , Rastgarpour Maryam
Published: June 2023

Based on the report provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria has proved to be a life-threatening disease whose cases reached 241 million in 2020 globally. However, diagnosing malaria in the early stages of infection can be very fruitful for ameliorating this disease. The standard way of diagnosing malaria is by examining the blood cell images by professionals. Despite medical technology development, this is not feasible in many underdeveloped areas due to the lack of such experts. Thus, researchers interested in computer-aided decision-making, specifically deep learning, have focused on atomizing the diagnosis of malaria recently. The performance of transformer-based models combined with convolutional neural networks motivated us to propose an approach based on MobileViT for atomizing the process of diagnosing malaria. To achieve this, the model was trained on blood cell images collected from a publicly available dataset. Evaluated on 27,560 samples, the proposed classifier achieves an accuracy of 98.37% on average using 10-fold cross-validation. Among 2756 test samples, the model achieves 34 false negatives at least and 48 ones at most. Due to the medical nature of our problem, this is significant because the model’s miss-cases of actual positive malaria-infected samples are low, making the accuracy and recall of the model 98.37% and 98.38%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study that applies a transformer-based model to a problem with superior performance. In addition, it is a lightweight and mobile-friendly neural network which can be utilized in mobile applications.
Perceptions of HIV and Mental Illness as “Western” or “Traditional” Illnesses: A Cross-Sectional Study from Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Galvin Michael , Coetzee Lezanie , Leshabana Patricia , Masebe Nthabiseng , Lebepe Shitshembiso , Moolla Aneesa , Tarullo Amanda R. , Rockers Peter C. , Evans Denise
Published: June 2023

Although Western biomedical treatment has dramatically increased across sub-Saharan African health systems, traditional medicine as a form of healing and beliefs in supernatural powers as explanations for disease remain prevalent. Research in this region has identified HIV in particular as a disease located within both the traditional African and Western medical paradigms, whilst mental illness is ascribed to primarily supernatural causes. Within this context, this study sought to understand and explore the perceptions of HIV and mental illness among a population of rural women in Limpopo, South Africa. 82 in-depth interviews were conducted between January and December, 2022. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English. Data were managed using NVivo 11 software and thematically analyzed. The majority of participants identified HIV as a Western illness requiring biomedical treatment with causation largely attributed to biological mechanisms. A traditional form of HIV only cured using traditional treatments was also denoted. Unlike for HIV, the majority of respondents felt that there was no biological or behavioral cause for mental illness but rather the illness was conceptualized supernaturally thus likely impacting patient care pathways. Further research to study HIV and mental health perceptions among a larger sample in different regions of sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.
Prediction of Bengali Newspaper Headline Polarity Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Barua Apu , Raza Dewan Mamun , Islam Mohammad Monirul , Majumder Anup , Habib Md. Tarek
Published: June 2023

Automated detection of the sentiment of newspaper headlines can save time and effort in reading and help to create a positive environment by reducing the prevalence of negative news and promoting positive news. Negative news can have a variety of effects on society, including Increased fear and anxiety, Desensitization to violence and tragedy, Decreased trust in institutions, Polarization, and division, and Decreased well-being. In this study, we propose a system for detecting the positivity or negativity of newspaper headlines in Bangla. While there has been a significant amount of research on detecting the sentiment of English newspaper headlines, there has been none in Bangla. To build our dataset, we used a large number of Bangla newspaper headlines. To categorize these Bangla newspaper headlines, three classic machine learning models, e.g. support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression, and random forest, and one deep learning model, e.g. sequential model are utilized. We then applied these three classical machine learning models as well as a deep learning model to the dataset following a machine learning approach. The obtained results are quantified in terms of four inquisitive performance metrics – accuracy, F1-score, precision, and recall. The results showed that the sequential deep learning model surpassed all other classical machine learning models achieving an accuracy of 80% F1-Score of 79% Precision of 87% and Recall of 76%.