bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Career Goals of Surgeons in Switzerland
Authors: Fenner Diana , Probst Pascal , Klasen Jennifer M , Antony Pia , Hauswirth Fabian , Muller Markus K.
Published: June 2023

Purpose Recent studies from the United States and Germany have shown a general decline in the number of surgical residents, as trainees increasingly prioritize a positive work-life balance. The current study sought to evaluate the career goals of surgeons in Switzerland.Methods Members of the Swiss College of Surgeons, being surgical consultant or attending regardless of specialty, were surveyed online as to their purported career goals, future employment ideals, aspired leadership positions, and managerial training.Results A total of 269 questionnaires were analysed. Most participants (93%) were board- certified and 30% of participants were female. With regard to desired specialty, 50% of participants intended to pursue a career in visceral surgery followed by general surgery, traumatology, hand and plastic surgery, vascular surgery and thoracic surgery. Regardless of specialty, 53% of respondents strived for the position of senior physician, while 28% indicated a desire to become chief physician. In terms of work environment, most participants preferred to seek employment at a cantonal hospital, followed by a rural hospital, a university hospital, private practice or a non-clinical setting. About half of respondents favoured the option of part time employment of 80% or less and about a quartile intended to retire before 62 years of age.Conclusion The current study found that surgeons in Switzerland remain highly motivated to pursue leadership positions in their respective fields. Going forward, the challenge will lie in reconciling the needs of the respective departments with the personal ambition, career opportunities, and desired work-life balance of young trainees.
Diatom-based transfer functions for pH and total phosphorus in Vermont, USA lakes
Authors: Biberovic Ismar , Diamond Sydney E. , Heathcote Adam , Lini Andrea , Morales-Williams Ana M.
Published: June 2023

At a landscape scale, lakes function as early warning signs of ecological change in response to environmental stressors. Changes to the terrestrial landscape such as alterations in land-use or land-cover alter the quality and quantity of subsidies delivered to downstream lakes, resulting in cascading impacts on aquatic communities and ecosystem function. Together with climate change processes that alter subsidy delivery and processing rates, lakes are inextricably connected to their adjacent landscape, acting as dynamic integrators of auto- and allogenic stressors. These processes are recorded in lake sediments and can be inferred and reconstructed using paleolimnological proxies. Like much of the Northeastern USA, lakes in the state of Vermont are changing rapidly in response to multiple stressors. This includes more than 800 lakes that span gradients of elevation, latitude, trophic status, depth, clarity, and watershed area. Long term monitoring data indicates that oligotrophic lakes are experiencing increases in total phosphorus, and many montane lakes recovering from acidification are now experiencing browning and rapid surface water warming. Understanding these trends at long-term scales requires proxy-based reconstruction of sediment records. Here we describe regional training-sets and transfer functions for TP and pH developed using modern water chemistry and sediment diatom records from 80 and 96 lakes, respectively, spanning chemical, trophic, latitudinal, and elevation gradients. We reconstruct these variables for the period predating the European settlement of the state (~ 1800) using a top-bottom approach for 96 lake cores and present a high-resolution reconstruction of these variables for acid-impaired, mesotrophic Beaver Pond. Based on our findings, we present recommendations and limitations for model application.
A high-precision implicit nonlinear conservation numerical scheme for Rosenau-Burgers equation by multiple varying bound integral method
Authors: Guo Cui , Fan Bo-Yu , Wu Jia-Ning , Zheng Xiong-Bo , Li Xiao-Le
Published: June 2023

This paper mainly focuses on the numerical study of fourth-order nonlinear Rosenau-Burgers equation. Firstly, the intermediate variables are introduced to reduce the orders of original differential equation. Secondly, we combine the Multiple Varying Bound Integral (MVBI) Method, which is a way for us to eliminate the derivatives in original differential equation, with Taylor Function Fitted (TFF) method to construct nonlinear implicit discrete scheme with four-order precision in space direction and two-order precision in time direction, for Rosenau-Burgers equation. At the same time, we prove that this numerical scheme is consistent with original equation in the energy property. In addition, the well-posedness of this numerical solution and convergence are both proved. Finally, numerical experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of this numerical scheme.
Characteristics of oral microbiota and oral health in the patients treated with clear aligners: a prospective study
Authors: Rouzi Maierdanjiang , Jiang Qingsong , Zhang Haoxin , Li Xiaolong , Long Hu , Lai Wenli
Published: June 2023

Objectives
In this prospective clinical study, the effect of clear aligners on periodontal health and oral hygiene was examined. As the same time, microbial changes of the aligner tray and subgingival microbiota community were investigated.
Methods
The study recruited fifteen patients, and clinical parameters were recorded at three different time points: before the initiation of aligner treatment (T0), one month after treatment onset (T1), and three months after treatment onset (T3). Plaque samples were collected from the inner surface of aligners and subgingival sulcus at each of these time points. The microbial composition of the samples was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and changes were evaluated based on the abundance of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs).
Results
Reduction in plaque index and improvement in periodontal health were observed. In aligner tray plaque samples, the relative abundance of Streptococcus increased significantly, as well as the richness and diversity of microbiota decreased substantially as the duration of treatment time. In subgingival plaque samples, alpha and beta diversity of microbiota did not change significantly.
Conclusions
Clear aligner treatment have no significant impact on periodontal health and subgingival microbiota composition of patients. The structure of the aligner tray microbiota altered significantly at both phylum and genus levels and attracted a unique and less divers microbiota community.
Clinical Relevance:
Clear aligner treatment have no significant impact on periodontal health and subgingival microbiota composition of patients.
Sex-associated differences in frequencies and prognostic impact of recurrent genetic alterations in adult acute myeloid leukemia (Alliance, AMLCG)
Authors: Ozga Michael , Nicolet Deedra , Mrózek Krzysztof , Yilmaz Selen , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Larkin Karilyn , Blachly James , Oakes Christopher , Buss Jill , Walker Christopher , Orwick Shelley , Jurinovic Vindi , Rothenberg-Thurley Maja , Dufour Annika , Schneider Stephanie , Sauerland Cristina , Görlich Dennis , Krug Utz , Berdel Wolfgang , Woermann Bernhard , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Braess Jan , Subklewe Marion , Spiekermann Karsten , Carroll Andrew , Blum William , Powell Bayard , Kolitz Jonathan , Moore Joseph , Mayer Robert , Larson Richard , Uy Geoffrey , Stock Wendy , Metzeler Klaus , Grimes H. , Byrd John , Salomonis Nathan , Herold Tobias , Mims Alice , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin
Published: June 2023

Clinical outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with patient demographics and genetic features. Although the associations of acquired genetic alterations with patients’ sex have been recently analyzed, their impact on outcome of female and male patients has not yet been comprehensively assessed. We performed mutational profiling and outcome analyses in 1726 adults with AML (749 female and 977 male) and centrally reviewed cytogenetic data who were treated on frontline Cancer and Leukemia Group B/Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology protocols. We analyzed a validation cohort of 954 patients (465 female and 489 male) treated on frontline protocols of the German AML Cooperative Group. We found differences between women and men in frequencies of select gene mutations, co-occurring mutation patterns, cytogenetic characteristics and assignment to genetic-risk groups per the 2022 European LeukemiaNet classification, and in prognostic impact of some genetic alterations. The mutation-associated splicing events and gene-expression profiles also differed between sexes. In patients aged < 60 years, WT1 mutations were female-specific and SF3B1 mutations male-specific adverse outcome prognosticators. We conclude that sex differences in the AML-associated genetic alterations and mutation-specific differential splicing events highlight the importance of considering patients’ sex in analyses of AML biology and prognostication.
Oncologists' Palliative Care Referral Behaviour: Testing Utility of Social Exchange Theory as an Explanatory Framework
Authors: Salins Naveen , Hughes Sean , Preston Nancy
Published: June 2023

Background
Adults and children with cancer are referred to palliative care infrequently or late. Oncologists often gatekeep these referrals. Social exchange theory is used to explain physician referral behaviour in various clinical settings. Its utility in a cancer palliative care setting is not known.
Methods
We used Karl Popper's hypothetico-deductive approach to test the hypothesis. The hypothesis was that social exchange theory is a helpful framework for explaining oncologists' palliative care referral behaviour in a cancer setting. The utility of the theoretical framework was tested against the empiric findings of a systematic review and original research.
Results
Most components of social exchange theory known to explain physician referral behaviour like beliefs about the provider or service, emotions triggered during the professional engagement, its symbolism and stigma, the complexity of the referral task, efforts needed to achieve it, its cost, benefit, and value were similar in a cancer setting. Empirical findings suggest that oncologists provided strategies and solutions to better palliative care integration instead of comparing their existing engagement with potential alternatives and choosing them.
Conclusion
Social exchange theory was found to be helpful in explaining oncologists' palliative care referral behaviour. To further develop the social exchange theory based on the data used to test it, it is recommended to include feedback and solutions as a component of the theoretical framework alongside a comparison level for alternatives.
The Effect of Training on Localizing Hololens-generated 3D Sound Sources
Authors: Ryu Wonyeol , Lee Sukhan , Park Eenil
Published: June 2023

methods
Visual Guide 1, Visual Guide 2, and Sound Guide, in improving sound localization skills in Augmented Reality (AR) environments using the HoloLens2 device. Sound localization is a critical aspect of human auditory perception, and AR technology offers an immersive platform for training individuals in this skill. The HoloLens2, which employs Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF) technology, provides a more realistic sound experience in AR by simulating sounds from various directions and distances. In this study, we explore how sound source localization training can help individuals adapt to the general HRTF implemented in AR devices despite that the individual HRTFs are quite different from the general HRTF. To that end, 12 participants were divided into groups of four for each training method, and trained six times every other day for two weeks. The training methods combined visual, auditory, and kinesthetic feedback to enhance the participants’ sound localization accuracy in terms of elevation, azimuth, and distance. The experiments were conducted in a controlled testbed environment with minimal external noise interference. The results revealed that Visual Guide 2 provided the most significant training effect across all measured aspects, followed by Sound Guide, which also demonstrated considerable improvement. These findings suggest that training methods incorporating kinesthetic feedback into the visual feedback, as well as relative error guidance into the audio feedback, such as Visual Guide 2 and Sound Guide, are more effective than traditional visual training for sound localization in AR environments. Additionally, Sound Guide showed potential for training visually impaired individuals, as it relies on auditory feedback, rather than visual cues. This study underscores the importance of integrating auditory and kinesthetic feedback in AR-based sound localization training for enhanced outcomes, and highlights the potential applications of such training for various user groups, including those with visual impairments.
Empagliflozin Improves Cardiac Function in Rats with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Qian , Wang Xiaofang , Wang Pengpeng , Wang Zhuwen , Zhang Fenglei
Published: June 2023

Objective To examine the effect of empagliflozin on cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure and the possible mechanism.Methods Forty 6-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, empagliflozin treatment group, and sham-operated group. SD rats in the control group and empagliflozin treatment group were subjected to ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery to induce an acute myocardial infarction model. SD rats in the sham-operated group were only subjected to threading of the anterior descending branch of the coronary artery without ligation. On the second day after surgery, the control group and sham operation group were given physiological saline by gavage, while the empagliflozin treatment group was given empagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage. Sixteen weeks later, cardiac function, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), serum brain natriuretic peptide, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), iNOS expression levels and myocardial morphological changes were observed.Results Compared with that in the control group, heart function in the empagliflozin treated group was significantly improved, MMP was increased, intracellular ROS levels were decreased, and NT -proBNP and hs-CRP were significantly reduced, and HE staining showed that the cell oedema was less than that in the control group, tissue arrangement was more orderly, and iNOS expression was inhibited.Conclusion Empagliflozin can improve cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure, and the mechanism may involve inhibiting inflammation, reducing myocardial oxidative stress, and improving myocardial fibrosis.
Efficient Pneumonia Diagnosis using a Hybrid Framework Leveraging Deep Learning and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Muralidhar A , V Thomas Abraham J , Sathyarajasekaran K , B Laxmi Nitin Singh
Published: June 2023

Pneumonia is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by various viral infections. Because pneumonia is like other pulmonary diseases, identifying and treating it on chest X-ray images can be difficult. Therefore, a more reliable method for detecting pneumonia in X-ray images is required. So, an optimized Deep Learning approach is used in this study, in which x-rays of the chest are handled in four stages. The first stage involves performing image enhancement, followed by a data augmentation stage, and the third stage involves feeding the results to deep learning algorithms (CNN, VGG16, InceptionResNetV2, Xception, Resnet50, and hybrid model) in which image features are retrieved for further processing. These extracted features are then utilized in the subsequent step, where they are inputted into various machine learning algorithms, including Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, SVM, and AdaBoost. These algorithms are responsible for classifying and diagnosing the images. To evaluate the proposed approach, a comprehensive dataset comprising 8,217 images (5,259 pneumonia and 2,958 normal) from combined chest X-ray and Mendeley sources was employed. The findings of the experiment reveal that the hybrid model, combined with the SVM classifier, demonstrates exceptional performance in terms of both training and testing accuracy, exceeding 97.70%. In conclusion, the proposed framework successfully leverages the extracted features and machine learning algorithms to achieve highly accurate classification and diagnosis of pneumonia cases. The hybrid model, in conjunction with the SVM classifier, exhibits remarkable performance in accurately identifying pneumonia from chest X-ray images.
Mediastinitis secondary to invasive infection by group A Streptococcus in Spain
Authors: Mellado-Sola Isabel , Cobo-Vázquez Elvira , Calvo-Fernández Amaia , Cervantes Eloisa , Coca Ana , Calderón-Llopis Belén , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús , Calvo Cristina
Published: June 2023

This study describes 5 mediastinitis cases secondary to invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease in a recent outbreak in Spain. Among 398 iGAS cases between January 2019 - March 2023, 5 (1.3%) were mediastinitis, 4 occurring in December 2022, all secondary to pneumonia or deep neck infection. We outline the clinical outcome with a review of the scarce pediatric literature.
Sterilized Anopheles funestus can autodisseminate sufficient pyriproxyfen to the breeding habitat under semi-field settings
Authors: Kunambi Hamisi J. , Ngowo Halfan , Ali Ali , Urio Naomi , Ngonzi Amos J. , Mwalugelo Yohana A. , Jumanne Mohamed , Mmbaga Augustino , Tarimo Felista S. , Swilla Joseph , Okumu Fredros , Lwetoijera Dickson
Published: June 2023

Background
Anopheles funestus, the main malaria vector, prefer to oviposit in permanent and/or semi-permanent breeding habitats located far from human dwellings. Difficulties in identifying and accessing these habitats jeopardize the feasibility of conventional larviciding. In this way, we conducted a semi-field study to assess the potential of autodissemination of pyriproxyfen (PPF) by An. funestus for its control.
Methods
The study was conducted inside a semi-field system (SFS). Therein, two identical separate chambers, the treatment chamber with a PPF-treated clay pot (0.25g AI), and the control chamber with an untreated clay pot. In both chambers, one artificial breeding habitat made of a plastic basin with one liter of water was provided. Three hundred blood-fed female An. funestus aged 5–9 days were held inside untreated and treated clay pots for 30 minutes and 48 hours before being released for oviposition. The impact of PPF on adult emergence, fecundity, and fertility through autodissemination and sterilization effects were assessed by comparing the treatment with its appropriate control group.
Results
Mean (95% CI) percentage of adult emergence was 15.5% (14.9–16.1%) and 70.3% (69–71%) in the PPF and control chamber for females exposed for 30 minutes (p < 0.001); and 19% (12–28%) and 95% (88–98%) in the PPF and control chamber for females exposed for 48 hours (p < 0.001) respectively. Eggs laid by exposed mosquitoes and their hatch rate were significantly reduced compared to unexposed mosquitoes (p < 0.001). Approximately, 90% of females exposed for 48 hours retained abnormal ovarian follicles and only 42% in females exposed for 30 minutes.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated sterilization and adult emergence inhibition via autodissemination of pyriproxyfen by Anopheles funestus. Also, it offers proof that sterilized An. funestus can transfer pyriproxyfen to prevent adult emergence at breeding habitats. These findings warrant further assessment of the autodissemination of pyriproxyfen in controlling wild population of Anopheles funestus, and highlights its potential for complementing LLINs.
Numerical simulation of polymer dust removal foam conveying pipeline in roadheader
Authors: Wang Qingguo , Geng Xu , Wang Weixiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xing
Published: June 2023

In order to better understand the process of foam movement in the polymer dust-reducing foam transport pipeline of the roadheader, to reveal the distribution law of pressure loss of polymer dust-reducing foam in the pipeline, and to improve the efficiency of polymer dust-reducing foam transport in the pipeline in actual engineering. Based on the existing research results, Fluent software is applied to analyze the flow field in the pressure pipeline by theoretical calculation and numerical simulation, and the numerical simulation study of the three-dimensional horizontal pipeline is carried out to obtain the velocity and pressure distribution clouds of the flow field at the bend of the pressure pipeline, and analyze the foam under different inlet pressure, gas-liquid ratio, and the changes of various elements such as flow velocity, and obtain the commonly used polymer dust-reducing foam in the actual process The law of the change of pressure loss in the pipeline by air-liquid ratio and inlet pressure size is explored, and the influencing factors and mechanisms affecting the structural performance of the roadheader foam transport pipeline are discussed, the initially designed pipeline is optimized, and the simulated outlet pressure results are simulated for foam injection. The results show that polymer dust reduction foam in the process of pipeline transportation, the pressure loss rate before the optimization is about 90%, and the pressure loss rate after optimization is 60%; the optimized pipeline foam will be more stable and concentrated at the exit speed; when the air-liquid ratio is certain, the pressure loss rate will increase gradually with the increase of inlet pressure; when the pressure is certain, the pressure loss rate will gradually decrease with the increase of air-liquid ratio; the pipeline foam will be more stable and concentrated with the increase of outlet pressure. The pressure loss rate gradually decreases with the increase of gas-liquid ratio at a certain pressure; the pressure loss of the hand-shaped four-way in the pipeline is significantly better than that of the tapering tube-type positive four-way; the foam spraying simulation is carried out at the lowest outlet pressure, and the effective range of foam can reach 4m, which meets the requirement of "wrapped" coverage of foam spraying. The optimized pipe structure provides a reliable basis for the optimized design and scientific research of applying polymer dust-reducing foam in the roadhear pipeline.
Combined use of body condition score, radiography, and computed tomography in body condition evaluation of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)
Authors: Ferro Barbara Sardela , Silva Jeana Pereira , Testa Carolyne Assis Eigenheer Pinke , Camargo Gabriel Corrêa , Ichikawa Ricardo Shoiti , Urrego Ana Camila Beltran , Guimarães-Okamoto Piscylla Tatiana Chalfun , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline , Melchert Alessandra
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the application of radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) as auxiliaries in the determination of body fat and musculature in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Eight animals were evaluated and classified based on the body condition score (BCS) scale. The total cut volume, total visceral volume, total subcutaneous volume, visceral fat volume, subcutaneous fat volume, and total fat volume were measured. The correlation of the BCS with the other data was determined. In the ultrasound, there was a correlation of the vertebral epaxial musculature score (VEMS) with body weight, BCS, muscle mass score (MMS), animal's height, and height at the withers. In the radiographic analysis, the amount of subcutaneous fat obtained in L3 vertebrae did not present a significant correlation with BCS, as opposed to L6. In the tomographic analysis, TFV/L6, VFV/L6, and SFV/L6 correlated with BCS in L3, and only SFV /L6 in L6. When the ratios between fat volumes were correlated, the correlation with BCS occurred only in L6 in the TFV/TBV, SFV/SVC, and VFW variants. Radiography and CT were effective and had a good association with BCS. With the CT it was possible to demonstrate the distribution of total fat at the level of the L3 slice. The ratio of calculations considering the length of the L6 vertebra was more adequate, while at the level of L6 the ratio between the volumes of the compartments was more effective.
“Just give it to us straight!”: a qualitative analysis of midwestern rural lung cancer survivors and caregivers about survivorship care experiences
Authors: Lewis-Thames Marquita , Keimweiss Samuel , Gurolnick Anna , Grant Shakira , Burris Jessica , Studts Jamie
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE
We assessed the experiences of rural lung cancer survivors and caregivers to understand and identify barriers to posttreatment survivorship care management.
METHODS
From May 2021-June 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposively sampled cohort. Participants were either posttreatment lung cancer survivors (within 5 years of their last active treatment) or caregivers of a lung cancer survivor. Interviews probed participants regarding survivorship care knowledge, implementation, and navigation. Two analysts inductively coded verbatim transcripts and conducted a thematic analysis.
RESULTS
We interviewed N = 21 participants: lung cancer survivors (76%) and caregivers (24%). Participants self-identified as Non-Hispanic White (100%), were at least 65 years old (77%), identified as male (62%), and previously smoked ≥ 5 packs of cigarettes/day (71%). The perspectives of survivors and caregivers were similar; thus, we analyzed them together. Themes related to survivorship care included: (1) frustrations and uncertainty regarding unexpected barriers, (2) strategies to improve the delivery of posttreatment information, (3) strategies to remain positive and respond to emotional concerns of survivorship care, and (4) the impact of engaging and patient-centered care teams.
CONCLUSION
Given the limited access to lung cancer care resources in rural communities, our findings reveal that following a survivorship care program or plan requires a high level of individual resilience and community/interpersonal networking.
Elevated lipid profile associated with arsenic exposure and assessment of zinc deficiency in diabetes patients in Indian state of Bihar
Authors: Fathima A S , Kumar V Udaya , Meenakshi Sarasa , Ali Mohammed , V Ravichandiran , Murti Krishna , dhingra sameer , Kumar Nitesh , Kumar Rishikesh , Prakash Ved
Published: June 2023

Background: Heavy metal exposure is a significant environmental health concern that can be deadly due to bioaccumulation of toxic metals in the human body ultimately leading to alterations in physiology, disease severity, and risk of comorbid diseases. Certain metals including arsenic have been linked to hyperglycemia and a greater risk of diabetes. Bihar is one of the most-affected areas in terms of arsenic pollution. Numerous studies elucidated the effect of arsenic. This study is a single-centered pilot prospective cohort study aimed at evaluating the potential role of arsenic exposure and assessment of micronutrient levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A total of n=30 type-2 diabetic patients and healthy individuals aged > 18 years residing in arsenic endemic zones of Bihar, were initially recruited to assess arsenic levels in hair samples. Blood glucose parameters were found to be significantly greater (HbA1C, p=0.002* and postprandial blood sugar p=0.046) among the arsenic-exposed population than the others. Total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein and triglycerides have positive correlations with arsenic levels, whereas High density lipoprotein displays a negative correlation with arsenic level. Zinc levels of diabetic patients are low compared to the healthy control group. Weak negative correlations are found with blood sugar parameters and zinc levels. Arsenic levels are also negatively correlated to zinc levels (r=-0.458, p=0.042). Concludedly, Arsenic exposure has deleterious effect on blood glucose levels and lipid parameters. Preventive measures should be implemented to limit the exposure. Deficiently found trace elements such as zinc must be supplemented as a part of therapy for improving blood glucose parameters.
S vacancy in MoS 2 nanosheets induce H 2 O cleavage: a new era for 2D nanozyme
Authors: Wang Jin , Ren Wenyu , Wang Yi , Zhang Dun , Ju Peng , Dou Kunpeng
Published: June 2023

Nanozyme is a promising approach in treating pollution in drinking water sources. 2D MoS2 nanosheets, with abundant active sites and Lewis acid sites, exhibits outstanding peroxidase-like and antibacterial activities. Verified by density functional calculation, S vacancies in 2D MoS2 nanosheets can cleavage H2O to yield H+ and ·OH. The spontaneous generation of acid environment and oxygen free radicals enables 2D MoS2 nanosheets to be effectively exploited in the depuration of polluted water, creating a new era for multifunctional nanozymes.
Generalizations of the Implicit Function Theorem to Fractal Sets
Authors: Jhurani Krish
Published: June 2023

This research paper explores the extension of the Implicit Function Theorem (IFT) to fractal sets. The objective is to establish the existence and differentiability of implicitly defined functions on selected fractal sets, thus generalizing the classical IFT to the realm of fractal geometry. The methodology involves a precise characterization of fractals and the formu-lation of an extended IFT. Fractals are defined as self-similar, non-smooth geometric objects with intricate structures. The extension of the IFT ne-cessitates adaptations of the concepts of differentiability and surjectivity to fit the unique properties of fractal sets. The Fr´echet derivative on the fractal set is modified to capture the local linear behavior of functions, while the notion of surjectivity is extended by requiring every open ball in the target space to contain the image of some open ball in the fractal set. Through the validation process, the extended IFT is applied to specific fractal sets, like Sierpinski Triangle and Koch Curve. By constructing functions and computing their Fr´echet derivatives, we verify the condi-tions of our theorem, ensuring the surjectivity of the Fr´echet derivative for at least one point in the fractal set. This validation serves as concrete evidence of the applicability and robustness of the extended IFT in the fractal context. The major findings of this research demonstrate that the extended IFT provides a powerful tool for analyzing implicitly defined functions on fractal sets. It opens up new avenues for studying solutions to partial differential equations, investigating optimization problems, and exploring the dynamics of fractal systems.
A cosmological model in f (G, T ) gravity with time varying deceleration parameter
Authors: Shukla Bhupendra Kumar , Tiwari Rishi Kumar , Beesham Aroon Kumar.
Published: June 2023

The current study aims to investigate a modified theory of gravity called f (G, T) theory. Our focus is on a Gauss-Bonnet cosmolog-ical model that integrates a non-linear Gauss-Bonnet term and a linear trace term. The specific expression of the f (G, T) theory is f (G, T) = G + mG 2 + nT , where m and n represent free parameters. To solve the field equation, we employ a specialized formulation of the deceleration parameter, represented as q = α − β H , where α and β are model parameters. Consequently, we determine the optimal values of the model parameters by aligning them with the latest observational datasets, including 57 data points from the Cosmic Chronometers datasets, Pantheon datasets, and BAO datasets. Furthermore, we analyze the physical behavior of cosmo-graphic parameters corresponding to the constrained values of the model parameters, as well as energy density and pressure. The evolution of the deceleration parameter predicts a transition from decelerated to accelerated phases of the Universe. Importantly, our f (G, T) cosmological model effectively describes the observed cosmic acceleration in the late-time universe, eliminating the need to introduce a dark energy component in the field equations.
Multiple Surgical Resections for Progressive IDH Wildtype Glioblastoma - is it beneficial?
Authors: Honeyman Susan Isabel , Roach Joy Roma , Mier Juan , Marks Katya , Dassanyake Sohani N , Wood Matthew J , Fairhead Rory , Yarlagadda Ananya , Boukas Alexandros , Stacey Richard , Apostolopoulos Vasileios , Plaha Puneet
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The role of repeat resection for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) remains equivocal. This study aims to assess the overall survival and complications rates of single or repeat resection for rGBM.
Methods
A single centre retrospective review of all patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma managed surgically, between January 2014 and January 2022, was carried out. Patient survival and factors influencing prognosis were analysed, using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods.
Results
432 patients were included, of whom 329 underwent single resection, 83 had two resections and 20 patients underwent three resections. Median OS (mOS) in the cohort who underwent a single operation was 13.7 months (95% CI:12.7–14.7 months). The mOS was observed to be extended in patients who underwent second or third-time resection, at 22.9 months and 44.7 months respectively (p < 0.001). On second operation achieving > 95% resection or residual tumour volume of < 2.25cc was significantly associated with prolonged survival. There was no significant difference in overall complication rates between primary versus second (p = 0.973) or third-time resections (p = 0.312). The use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) guided resection was associated with reduced post-operative neurological deficit (RR 0.37, p = 0.002), as was use of intraoperative ultrasound (iUSS) (RR 0.45, p = 0.04).
Conclusions
This study demonstrates potential prolongation of survival for GBM patients undergoing repeat resection, without significant increase in complication rates with repeat resections. Achieving a more complete repeat resection improved survival. Moreover, the use of intraoperative imaging adjuncts can maximise tumour resection, whilst minimising the risk of neurological deficit.
E3 ligase Nedd4L promotes macrophage M1 polarization and exacerbates brain damage by TRAF3/TBK1 signaling pathway after ICH in mice
Authors: Yang Zhao , Xia Xiaohui , Xiong Qijiang , Fu Xiongjie , Han Bin , Zhang Jiangwei , Yu Anyong
Published: June 2023

Background
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious medical problem, and promising strategy is limited. Macrophage initiated brain inflammatory injury following ICH, but the molecular mechanism had not been well identified. E3 ligase Nedd4L is implicated in the pathogenesis of the inﬂammatory immune response.
Methods
In the present study, we detected the levels of Nedd4L in macrophages following ICH. Furthermore, Macrophage M1 polarization, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, BBB disruption, brain water content and neurological function were examined in ICH mice.
Results
Here, we demonstrated that E3 ligase Nedd4L levels of macrophage increased following ICH, promoted M1 polarization inflammation by TRAF3. Nedd4L promoted BBB disruption, as well as neurological deficits. Inhibition of Nedd4L signiﬁcantly attenuated M1 polarization in vivo. Inhibition of Nedd4L decreased TRAF3 and TBK1 levels, and subsequent phosphorylation of p38 and NF-κB p65 subunit following ICH.
Conclusions
Our data demonstrated that Nedd4L was involved in the pathogenesis of ICH, which promoted inflammatory responses and exacerbated brain damage by TRAF3 following ICH.
Predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT multi-metabolic parameters and tumor metabolic heterogeneity in the prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Jianlin , Yu Xiaopeng , Shi Aiqi , Xie Long , Huang Liqun , Su Yingrui , Zha Jinshun , Liu Jiangyan
Published: June 2023

Objective: We aimed to investigate the predictive value of pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT multi-metabolic parameters and tumor metabolic heterogeneity for gastric cancer prognosis.
Methods: Seventy-one patients with gastric cancer were included. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT whole-body scans prior to treatment and had pathologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinomas. Each metabolic parameter, including SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and TLG, were collected from the primary lesions of gastric cancer in all patients, and the slope of linear regression between the MTV corresponding to different SUVmax thresholds (40% × SUVmax, 80% × SUVmax) of the primary lesions was calculated. The absolute value of the slope was regarded as the metabolic heterogeneity of the primary lesions, expressed as the heterogeneity index HI-1, and the coefficient of variance of the SUVmean of the primary lesions was regarded as HI-2. Patient prognosis was assessed by PFS and OS, and a nomogram of the prognostic prediction model was constructed, after which the clinical utility of the model was assessed using DCA.
Results: A total of 71 patients with gastric cancer, including 57 (80.3%) males and 14 (19.7%) females, had a mean age of 61 ± 10 years; disease progression occurred in 27 (38.0%) patients and death occurred in 24 (33.8%) patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HI-1 alone was a common independent risk factor for PFS (HR: 1.183; 95% CI: 1.010–1.387, P < 0.05) and OS (HR: 1.214; 95% CI: 1.016–1.450, P < 0.05) in patients with gastric cancer. A nomogram created based on the results of Cox regression analysis increased the net clinical benefit for patients. Considering disease progression as a positive event, patients were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that there were significant differences in PFS among the three groups. When death was considered a positive event and patients were included in the low- and high-risk groups, there were significant differences in OS between the two groups.
Conclusion: The heterogeneity index HI-1 of primary gastric cancer lesions is an independent risk factor for patient prognosis. A nomogram of prognostic prediction models constructed for each independent factor can increase the net clinical benefit and stratify the risk level of patients, providing a reference for guiding individualized patient treatment.
Trust as a determinant of Social Welfare in the Digital Economy
Authors: Shah Syed Sibghatullah , Shah Syed Akhter Hussain
Published: June 2023

Trust plays a critical role in determining social welfare in the digital economy and has significant socioeconomic implications. To investigate the relationship between trust and social welfare in this context, we developed a social welfare function that accurately quantifies the positive impact of the digital economy. Employing a Markov analysis framework, we modelled trust as a variable that evolves based on the agent's interactions with the system, characterizing the system's dynamic behaviour as a series of probabilistic transitions between states. We ran multiple simulations to gather a significant sample of possible outcomes and analyzed the statistical correlation between trust and social welfare. We used the time it takes for the digital economy to converge towards the non-digital economy as a metric to compare the performance of the separate economies. We controlled for other factors influencing social welfare, such as the number of transactions and market competition levels. We compared the actual outcomes of the simulation study with our theoretical predictions. Results indicate a significant impact of trust in maximising social welfare by achieving a steady state in fewer iterations for a developed digital economy. The socioeconomic benefits of trust are more visible in a digital than in a non-digital economy. Technological progress or innovation is crucial to attaining responsible consumption and production patterns. The digital economy's sustainability hinges on trust, which policymakers must prioritize in light of trust erosion. An inclusive approach considering cultural and socioeconomic factors is required to increase public trust in institutions and government. Policymakers may consider measures such as enhancing data privacy, promoting digital literacy, and developing effective legal frameworks that support trust-building. By prioritizing these areas, policymakers can build a more sustainable and equitable digital economy that maximizes social welfare.
Impact of Atrial Pacing in Fontan Patients with Junctional Rhythm: A Prospective Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Yang Emily L. , Evers Patrick D. , Long Mia J. , Mostafavifar Mina , Balaji Seshadri
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
Sinus node dysfunction (SND) with junctional rhythm (JR) is common after the Fontan operation. Atrial pacing (AP) restores atrioventricular (AV) synchrony, but the placement of a pacemaker carries significant morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
To study the impact of AP on echocardiographic parameters of function in Fontan patients with SND and JR.
METHODS
Nine Fontan patients with AP for SND and JR were prospectively studied with echocardiography in the following conditions – baseline paced rhythm, underlying JR and, if possible, slow-paced rhythm below their baseline paced rate (~ 10 bpm faster than their JR rate).
RESULTS
Cardiac index was significantly lower in JR (3 ± 1.1 L/min/m2) vs AP (4.2 ± 1.4 L/min/m2; p = 0.002). Diastolic function also significantly worsened with increased ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e’ ratio) by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in JR (11.6 ± 4.6) vs AP (8.8 ± 2.2, p = 0.016). Pulmonary venous flow reversal was present in 0/9 patients in AP and 7/9 in JR (p = 0.016). There were no significant differences in these echocardiographic measurements between the paced and slow-paced conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
When compared to AP, JR was associated with a significant reduction in cardiac output and diastolic function, and an increased prevalence of pulmonary vein flow reversal. There were no differences between paced and slow-paced conditions, suggesting that AV synchrony rather than heart rate was primarily contributing to cardiac output. Further studies are needed to understand the chronic impact of JR on Fontan outcomes.
Age and Sex Disparities in Latin-American Adults with Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hek Renée van‘t , Ortiz-Herrera Juan Luis , Salazar-Pigeon Alejandro , Ramirez-Loera Cristopher , Cacho-Díaz Bernardo , Wegman-Ostrosky Talia
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study aimed to identify if there are ethnic differences in the age and sex distribution of gliomas in the Latino adult population.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. Databases used were MEDLINE, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies were included if they reported the age and/or sex distribution of gliomas in Latin adults, published in English or Spanish from January 1st, 1985, to December 1st, 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the NIH Quality Assessment Tool [1]
Results: From 1,096 articles, fifteen studies with information on 6,815 patients were selected for the systematic review, and thirteen were selected for the meta-analysis. The mean ages of diagnosis of glioma and glioblastoma were 50.9, 95\%\ CI [47.8 - 53.9] years and 53.33 years, 95 \% CI [51-55.6], respectively. The male-to-female incidence rate ratio of gliomas was 1.39.
Conclusion: Our study found mean ages of glioma and glioblastoma were 6 and 10 years lower than those reported in the CBTRUS. Our study suggests disparities in the age and sex distribution of gliomas in Latin America compared to other regions.
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021274423
The SMART approach to develop good cyber security metrics
Authors: Sherif Emad , Yevseyeva Iryna , Basto-Fernandes Vitor , Cook Allan
Published: June 2023

When it comes to the need to manage cyber security, identifying and utilising good cyber security metrics is essential. This allows organisations to manage their cyber risk more effectively. However, the literature lacks consensus on properties and characteristics of good metrics. We join the current efforts that aim at closing this gap. Hence, the main two objectives of this work are firstly to explore and identify relevant cyber security metrics proposed by researchers in the cyber security domain, and then to assess them against the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Timely) criteria to determine their feasibility and improve the quality of the selected security metrics. We identified 100 relevant metrics, of which 22 were able to be assessed against the SMART criteria. The resulting set of metrics can be considered as feasible set of metrics to implement. Additionally, we have identified the properties that a good metric should possess, most of which can be regarded as variants of the SMART criteria. Consequently, we extend the subcategories proposed by [1] to enhance the categorisation of metrics. The proposed subcategories are user, interface-induced, and software vulnerabilities; preventative, reactive, proactive defence strength; zero-day, targeted, botnet, malware, and evasion techniques; and security state, incidents, and investment. We propose to include the following: configuration management, access control management, backup and restore, security audit, security testing, and security training. Additionally, we recommend including two additional elements when assessing metrics wherein the metrics should be inexpensive to gather and independently verifiable via an outside reference.
Identifying the Temporal Sensitivity of Poinsettia Flowering to High Temperatures
Authors: Millar Paul D. , Faust James E. , Pemberton H. Brent , Kobayashi Ruth
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to identify the specific weeks and night lengths when poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) flowering is most sensitive to high temperatures. One experiment was conducted in greenhouses under natural daylength (ND) conditions at lat. 34.7°N starting on 4 Sep, and a second experiment was conducted in growth chambers with an initial night length (NL) of 11 hours 01 minutes that was increased by 2 min/d to simulate ND conditions through September and October. Each week, one group of plants was moved from a moderate-temperature environment [22 °C average daily temperature (ADT)] to a high-temperature environment 28 °C ADT. Each group of plants spent 1 week in the high-temperature environment before returning to the moderate-temperature environment. The temperature treatments lasted for 7 or 8 weeks for the growth chamber and greenhouse studies, respectively. Additional groups of plants were kept in either the moderate- or high-temperature environment for the entire treatment period as controls. Four cultivars were used in the greenhouse study: Advent Red, Freedom Red, Prestige Red, and Tikal Red; only Prestige Red was used in the growth chamber study. Advent Red was identified as the most heat-tolerant cultivar followed by Tikal Red, Freedom Red, and Prestige Red. ‘Advent Red’s’ period of sensitivity to high temperatures ranged from 4 Sep to 1 Oct. ‘Tikal Red’s’ period of sensitivity to high temperature ranged from 11 Sep to 8 Oct. ‘Freedom Red’ had a longer period of high-temperature sensitivity: from 11 Sep to 22 Oct. ‘Prestige Red’ had the longest period of sensitivity to high temperatures encompassing 4 Sep to 29 Oct, and 11 hours 01 minute to 12 hours 37 minutes NL for the greenhouse and growth chamber studies, respectively. Within periods of sensitivity to high temperatures, time to visible bud and anthesis were most affected by high temperatures in earlier weeks, and final bract color development and time to first bract color were more affected by high temperatures during the latter weeks. As cultivars varied in their duration of sensitivity to high temperatures, duration, as well as magnitude of response to high temperature, should be considered in future breeding projects.