bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse and Current Public Health Perspective
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Zhou Wenhua , Lai Miaojun
Published: February 2024

Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second-largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter in monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health.
Mapping Dementia Care Tech: Tailored Digital Solutions Across Stages
Authors: Ipakchian Askari Sima , Vasseur Dianne , Hofstede Bob , Koowattanataworn Piyakorn , Nap Henk Herman
Published: February 2024

Over the years there has been an increase in the development of assistive technologies (AT’s). The implementation and scaling of AT’s at care organizations remains challenging. Moreover, to date, it has been underexplored during which stages of dementia these technologies can be best implemented. Previous work has developed an infographic providing guidance on when best to introduce AT’s for people with dementia. Although this infographic is relevant, it was based solely on the experience of the authors during various national and international projects. However, over the years a wide spread of studies has been conducted in the field of dementia on the use and implementation of technology for PwD. Therefore, in this paper we will revise the current infographic based on the insight gained from existing literature and complement these by interviews with expert on the implementation of care technology
Forest Supply Chains during Digitalization: Current Implementations and Prospects in Near Future
Authors: Palander Teijo , Borz Stelian Alexandru , Tokola Timo , Rauch Peter
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review The forest industry has deployed ICTs to improve productivity of forest supply chains. In this sense, digitalization of data flows significantly impacts wood supply chains, from forest to mills, which must react flexibly to market fluctuations of forest products. The goal of this study was to conduct a literature review on data flow implementations in management systems of wood supply chains and to evaluate their applicability in supply chains to analyze the opportunities for improving them in practice. Recent findings We utilized the ScienceDirect database, Scopus and Web of Science in order to document data flows in systems and actual applications. Due to ongoing outsourcing, the wood procurement chains, and the wood supply chains were identified in the forest industry. Several different technologies can be implemented also in wood supply chains to digitalize the data flow depending on the specific needs of organizations. In this regard, digitalization of Big Data causes significant changes in elements of supply models that should be integrated and standardized in the optimization and simulation systems. Summary A modelling guide is suggested for accurate dynamic solution of problems of forest logistics. Then, the opportunities in digitalization for connecting different data flows, technologies, and stakeholders are discussed thoroughly. We conclude that data-driven dynamic optimization, and locally implemented digitalization contributes to wood supply modeling in the establishment of standards for cloud-based platforms at time-related and sequential measures which will ensure successful forest logistics through the planning and the monitoring of wood supply chains.
Robotics and Navigation Do Not Affect the Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: LaValva Scott M. , Chiu Yu-Fen , Fowler Mia J. , Lyman Stephen , Carli Alberto V.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The use of computer navigation or robotic assistance during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has yielded numerous benefits due to more accurate component positioning. The utilization of these tools is generally associated with longer operative times and also necessitates additional surgical equipment and personnel in the operating room. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of technology assistance on periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after primary THA.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records for 12,726 patients who had undergone primary THA at a single high-volume institution between 2018 and 2021. Patients were stratified by surgical technique (conventional THA, computer-navigated THA [CN-THA], or robotic-assisted THA [RA-THA]) and were matched 1:1 with use of propensity score matching. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the rates of PJI within 90 days postoperatively between the cohorts.

Results:

After propensity score matching, there were 4,006 patients in the THA versus RA-THA analysis (2,003 in each group) and 5,288 patients in the THA versus CN-THA analysis (2,644 in each group). CN-THA (p < 0.001) and RA-THA (p < 0.001) were associated with longer operative times compared with conventional THA by 3 and 11 minutes, respectively. The rates of PJI after conventional THA (0.2% to 0.4%) were similar to those after CN-THA (0.4%) and RA-THA (0.4%). On the basis of logistic regression, the development of PJI was not associated with the use of computer navigation (odds ratio [OR], 1.8 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7 to 5.3]; p = 0.232) or robotic assistance (OR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.3 to 2.3]; p = 0.808).

Conclusions:

Despite longer operative times associated with the use of computer navigation and robotic assistance, the use of these tools was not associated with an increased risk of PJI within 90 days after surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Role Of Perceived Value And Perceived Trust To Optimize Repeat Purchase Intention Based On Mean-End Chain Theory In Generations Y And Z
Authors: Nafisyah Ulin , Marsasi Endy Gunanto
Published: February 2024

One sector that continues to experience development is the telecommunications sector. Telecommunications can make it easier to obtain information and carry out various activities. The communication sector has a vital role in the continuity and smoothness of communication.  The objective of this research is to establish the correlation between the perceived price, perceived trust, perceived value, satisfaction, and repeat purchase intention of an Internet telecommunication service among individuals belonging to Generation Y and Z. The researchers introduce perceived trust as a new and innovative aspect of their study. Mean-End Chain Theory is used in research as the leading theory. The method in this study uses a quantitative approach using purposive sampling techniques, which resulted in 155 samples. The analytical approach utilised in the present investigation was. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), using the AMOS Graphics 24 programmed. The study's findings suggest that the perceived price has a notable adverse impact on satisfaction. The perceived price and perceived trust favourably and dramatically effect the perceived value. This research is helpful in that mobile provider managers should improve perceived trust and perceived price of services by contributing to an event and being active in online marketing.
Influencer’s Trustworthiness and Attitude to Increase Purchase Intention in Generation Z Based on Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Sabina Azkiya Salis , Marsasi Endy Gunanto
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between the trustworthiness of influencers and the attitude of Generation Z in influencing their intention to make purchases, utilizing the theory of planned behavior. This study utilizes a quantitative approach and applies a purposive sampling procedure to collect a total of 218 samples. The analysis is performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and aided by AMOS 24 Graphics software. This study discovered a significant positive correlation between online customer reviews and attitude. Attitude has a significant positive correlation with brand loyalty, purchase intention, and electronic word of mouth. Brand loyalty also has a significant positive correlation with purchase intention. There are new findings, namely a significant positive correlation between influencer's trustworthiness and attitude, and electronic word of mouth has a significant negative correlation to purchase intention. This study has implications for companies regarding product quality and consistency of product ratings that cause eWOM to have a negative relationship with purchase intentions. This research has an update on the variable, namely the influencer's trustworthiness, to measure influencer trust in consumers.
Informe de experiencia profesional calificada desarrollado en el área de Medio Ambiente de la empresa Master Builders Solutions Perú S.A., utilizando los enfoques de Sostenibilidad, Calidad Ambiental y Gestión de Residuos Sólidos
Authors:   , Basurto Torres Stephany
Published: February 2024

El presente informe de suficiencia profesional presenta una revisión del aporte de un Ingeniero/a Ambiental a la Gestión Ambiental y de Sostenibilidad de las empresas, que va desde la participación en la elaboración de Instrumentos de Gestión Ambiental con el fin de preservar la Calidad Ambiental en el área de influencia de los proyectos de inversión; el cumplimiento de los compromisos derivados de dichos instrumentos de gestión ambiental como lo relacionado a la Gestión Integral de Residuos ; la mejora continua del Sistema de Gestión Ambiental basado en ISO 14001:2015 y la contribución a la estrategia de Sostenibilidad (ASG) de la compañía. El sector privado, y específicamente la actividad industrial, es un motor importante de nuestra economía ya que genera riqueza monetaria, necesaria para nuestra sociedad; sin embargo, también puede generar diversos impactos en el ambiente desde contaminación, agotamiento de recursos, cambio climático, pérdida de biodiversidad, así como conflictos socioambientales. Debido a ello es que resulta fundamental la implementación y mantenimiento de una adecuada gestión ambiental y de sostenibilidad por parte de las empresas de los diferentes sectores económicos, para asegurar la mitigación de los impactos ambientales negativos derivados de sus actividades y potenciar aquellos que resulten positivos como la generación de empleo, aporte al desarrollo local, economía circular, entre otros. En ese contexto, el objetivo del presente informe es describir y detallar las etapas de planeamiento y gestión, labores operativas y de campo, labores de capacitación, innovación e implementación realizadas durante el desarrollo de mi experiencia profesional calificada como ingeniera ambiental en el área de Medio Ambiente de Master Builders Solutions Perú S.A. Además, se realiza un análisis del cumplimiento normativo en las actividades desarrolladas, un ejercicio de benchmarking al comparar las experiencias con otras empresas del sector privado y…
Valoración económica de la reserva de carbono en la biomasa aérea en el Área de Conservación Regional Bosque Nublado Amaru-Huachocolpa-Chihuana Huancavelica (Perú)
Authors:   , Jaime Huaman Emerson
Published: February 2024

Los Bosques Montanos Nublados (BMN) al igual que otros bosques se caracterizan por brindar servicios de regulación climática a partir de la captura de CO2. En esta investigación se buscó realizar la valoración económica de la Reserva de Carbono en la Biomasa Aéreo (RCBA) en dos tipos de cobertura vegetal el Área de Conservación Regional Bosque Nublado Amaru-Huachocolpa-Chihuana (ACRBNA, Huancavelica-Perú). Para ello se estimó la biomasa aérea (usando ecuaciones alométricas) en dos parcelas de 0,5 hectáreas establecidas en bosque de montaña altimontano (P1) y el bosque de montaña montano (P2). La RCBA fue mayor en P2 con 36,78 tC (74 tC/ha) alcanzando un valor económico de USD$5 726; las especies que tuvieron un mayor aporte en esta parcela fueron Cedrela montana Moritz ex Turcz. (7,79 t), Cecropia tacuna C.C. Berg & P. Franco (7,00 t), Brunellia dulcis J.F. Macbr. (6,70 t), Weinmannia latifolia Presl. (6,65 t) y Cedrela odorata L. (6,14 t), estas especies representaron el 46,61% de biomasa. El valor de la RCBA en P1 fue 20,72 tC (41 tC/ha), alcanzando un valor económico de $3 226, las especies que aportaron con mayor biomasa aérea en P1 fueron Hedyosmum peruvianum Todzia (9,62 t), Weinmannia latifolia Presl. (6,51 t), Weinmannia crassifolia Ruiz & Pav. (5,07 t), Miconia sp. (4,00 t) y Piper acutifolium Ruiz & Pav. (3,92 t), estas especies representaron el 70,27% del valor total de biomasa. Las especies predominantes en cada parcela fueron distintas (Chi2=50,90; p=0,031); la biomasa en las subparcelas de P2 fue mayor que en P1 (t=6,24; p<0,001) lo que explicaría las diferencias en la reserva de ambos sitios. Con los datos obtenidos en esta investigación es posible tener indicios del valor económico de los...
Capacidad de remoción de macroelementos, aniones, boro y metales pesados de Hydrocharis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Byng & Christenh. en condiciones de laboratorio
Authors:   , Ruiz Merino Maybe Alejandra
Published: February 2024

Hydrocharis laevigata es una planta acuática flotante que presenta características de interés para su aplicación en fitorremediación, forraje de organismos acuáticos y captadora de carbono, dado su rápido crecimiento, alta producción de biomasa y alto potencial para la bioacumulación de contaminantes. En los últimos años, los esfuerzos en investigación se han enfocado en optimizar su propagación y aumentar su productividad en sistemas controlados. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar y cuantificar la capacidad de remoción de macroelementos, aniones, boro y metales pesados de H. laevigata en condiciones de laboratorio. Se utilizaron dos tratamientos con densidades de un 50% a 70% de biomasa vegetal de capacidad de carga. Se analizó la variación de la sustancia en el agua (ΔMA, mg/L), la tasa de remoción (TR, mg. L-1. día-1), la eficiencia de remoción (ER, %) y la tasa de crecimiento relativo (TCR). Se determinó que la especie removió el Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, NO3-, Cl-, Mg, Ca, Na y K. No hubo diferencias entre ambos tratamientos para la ER% y la TR, se tuvo una ER% < 50% para el Cu, Fe, NO3-, Cl-, Ca, Na y K; y una ER% > 50% para el Mn (80%) y Zn (70-72%). La TCR en el tratamiento T50 (0,06) fue mayor que en el tratamiento T70 (0,03). Los resultados muestran la capacidad de H. laevigata para remover múltiples metales en simultáneo lo que nos sugiere que esta especie tiene potencial para fitorremediación.
Liquid Flow Patterns and Particle Settling Velocity in a Taylor-Couette Cell Using Particle Image Velocimetry and Particle Tracking Velocimetry
Authors: Velez Andres F. , Kalaga Dinesh V. , Kawaji Masahiro
Published: February 2024

Controlling the downhole pressure is an important parameter for successful and safe drilling operations. Several types of weighting agents (i.e., high-density particles), traditionally barite particles, are added to maintain the desired density of the drilling fluid (DF). The DF density is an important design parameter for preventing multiple drilling complications. These issues are caused by the settling of the dense particles, an undesired phenomenon also referred to as sagging. Therefore, there is a need to understand the settling characteristics of heavy particles in such scenarios. To this end, simultaneous measurements of liquid phase flow patterns and particle settling velocities have been conducted in a Taylor-Couette (TC) cell with a rotating inner cylinder and stationary outer cylinder separated by an annular gap of 9.0 mm. Liquid flow patterns and particle settling velocities have been measured using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) techniques, respectively. Experiments have been performed by varying the rotational speed of the inner cylinder up to 200 rev/min, which is used in normal drilling operations. Spherical particles with diameters of 3.0 mm or 4.0 mm and densities between 1.2 g/cm3 and 3.95 g/cm3 were used. The liquid phases studied included deionized (DI) water and mineral oil, which are the basic components of a non-Newtonian DF with a shear-thinning viscosity. The DF is a mud-like emulsion of opaque appearance, which impedes the ability to observe the liquid flow field and particle settling in the TC cell. To address this issue, a solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with a 6% weight concentration in DI water was used. This non-Newtonian solution displays shear-thinning rheological behavior and was used as a transparent alternative to the opaque DF. For water, PIV results have shown wavy vortex flow (WVF) to turbulent Taylor vortex flow (TTVF), which agrees with the flow patterns reported in the literature. For mineral oil, circular Couette flow (CCF) was observed at up to 100 rev/min and vortex formation at 200 rev/min. For CMC, no vortex formation was observed up to 200 rev/min, only CCF. The settling velocities for all particles in water matched with the particle settling velocities predicted using the Basset-Boussinesq-Oseen (BBO) equation of motion. For mineral oil and CMC, the results did not match well with the predicted settling velocities, especially for heavy particles due possibly to the radial particle migration and interactions with the outer cylinder wall.
Understanding Higher-order Constructs of Leadership and Communication in EMS Clinical Judgment
Authors: Gugiu Mihaiela R. , Cotto Jennifer , Burgess Yin , Powell Jonathan , Panchal Ashish R.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: For emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, clinical judgment is a higher-order construct that encompasses the initial thought process (clinical reasoning) that assists clinicians in reaching conclusions (clinical decision making). Current theoretical frameworks of clinical judgment contain other higher order constructs (e.g., leadership, communication) which may play a significant role in delivery of care. It is unknown whether this definition of clinical judgment does include additional higher order constructs of leadership and communication. The goal of this evaluation was to determine whether leadership and communication overlap and are subsumed under the larger construct of clinical judgment.
METHODS: Focus groups of experts in prehospital paramedic and advanced emergency medical technician levels of certification were recruited to generate tasks and their associated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in for the domains of clinical judgment, communication, and leadership. These tasks and KSAs were then evaluated for commonality between the domains to evaluate whether communication and leadership are incorporated within clinical judgment.
RESULTS: Task-KSA matrices were generated by focus groups for each domain and evaluated by certification level. There were no differences by certification level in the tasks-KSA matrices for the domains. A total of 77 tasks were identified, comprised of 392 KSAs across three domains (9 sub-domains). An analysis of commonality of tasks between the domains of communication and leadership with clinical judgment demonstrated that 61% of communication tasks were similar to the identified clinical judgment tasks. Similarly, in leadership, clinical judgment had a total of 79% commonality overall.
CONCLUSION: Clinical judgment was found to be a higher order construct that overlaps with and incorporates the domains of leadership and communication in the theoretical framework of EMS clinical judgment. This study provides validity evidence for the proposed clinical judgment theoretical framework. Future work should focus on pilot evaluations in simulated settings for building additional construct validity.
The real prevalence and clinical courses of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A retrospective single-institutional study
Authors: Takamori Hajime , Goto Takayuki , Kashima Soki , Yoshino Takayuki , Ogata Takashi , Aizawa Rihito , Nakamura Kiyonao , Sano Takeshi , Sawada Atsuro , Akamatsu Shusuke , Yamasaki Toshinari , Inoue Takahiro , Mizowaki Takashi , Ogawa Osamu , Kobayashi Takashi
Published: February 2024

Background
The real prevalence and clinical course of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) remain unclear. In this study, we comprehensively examined the prevalence of nmCRPC in patients who were treated for localized prostate cancer at a single institution.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated the clinical records of 1,929 patients who were treated for localized prostate cancer between 2005 and 2018. From this population, we counted patients who progressed to nmCRPC. We summarized the characteristics of nmCRPC patients, including the duration from initial diagnosis to nmCRPC and from nmCRPC to mCRPC or death. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to analyze overall and metastasis-free survival.
Results
We identified 22 nmCRPC patients among 1,929 patients who were initially treated at our institution and a further 23 nmCRPC patients who were initially treated at other institutions. The median time from the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer to the diagnosis of nmCRPC was 5.9 years (range, 0.2–19.1 years). Median metastasis-free and overall survival from the diagnosis of nmCRPC was 5.2 and 6.3 years, respectively.
Conclusion
A detailed investigation of patients with localized prostate cancer who were treated at our institution revealed that only 1.1% of them progressed to nmCRPC during the median follow-up period of 5.5 years. Their clinical courses were long, and the length of treatment duration varied remarkably among cases.
Frequency-dependent squeezing for gravitational-wave detection through quantum teleportation
Authors: Nishino Yohei , Danilishin Stefan , Enomoto Yutaro , Zhang Teng
Published: February 2024

Ground-based interferometric gravitational wave detectors are highly precise sensors for weak forces, limited in sensitivity across their detection band by quantum fluctuations of light. Current and future instruments address this limitation by injecting frequency-dependent squeezed vacuum into the detection port, utilizing narrow-band, low-loss optical cavities for optimal rotation of the squeezing ellipse at each signal frequency. This study introduces a novel scheme employing the principles of quantum teleportation and entangled states of light. It allows achieving broadband suppression of quantum noise in detuned signal recycled-Fabry-Perot--Michelson interferometers, which is the baseline design of the low-frequency detector within the Einstein Telescope xylophone detector, without requiring additional filter cavities or modifications to the core optics of the main interferometer.
Clinical acceptability of metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures fabricated with laser sintering technique: An up to 7- year retrospective clinical study
Authors: Öge Selin Çelik , Kahraman Öykü Ceren , Özkul Başar , Uçar Yurdanur
Published: February 2024

Objectives To evaluate the clinical success of laser sintered metal-ceramic restorations throughout several time periods, including the short, medium, and long term.
Materials and methods Participants who had 3-unit metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures fabricated by laser sintering in the mandibular posterior region between 2014 and 2021 were evaluated. The FDI criteria were used to evaluate the esthetic, functional, and biological clinical acceptability of the patients who met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all data. IBM SPSS 25 computer software was used to perform statistics.
Results A total of 52 patients (21 male, 31 female) were examined retrospectively on their 1, 3, 5, and 7-year period and the overall survival rate was recorded as %92.3. The fracture category yielded a total score of 1.29, and the marginal adaptation category yielded a total score of 1.59. On average, it was determined that all parameters were within clinically acceptable values.
Conclusions Based on the results, clinical outcomes of posterior metal-ceramic FPDs made with CAD/CAM based laser-sintering technology were very encouraging, suggesting that this unique technique could be used in place of the conventional lost wax technique.
Clinical relevance The use of this digital framework production method has yielded favorable outcomes by minimizing the drawbacks associated with conventional methods. Consequently, it facilitates a decrease in operational time, stages, and costs.
Trial Registration Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT06242639
Hyper ideals in Hyper hoop-algebra
Authors: Alemayehu Teferi Getachew , Norahun Wondosen Zemene , Engidaw Derso Abeje , Addis Gezahagne Mulate , Belayneh Berhanu Bekele
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we introduce (strong) hyper ideals in hyper hoops and investigate some basic properties. Also, we study the quotient structure that are made by absorptive strong hyper ideal. More over, we study (strong) hyper implicative ideals and some basic properties.
MSC Classification: 03G25, 20N20, 14L17, 97H50
Inactivated Influenza Vaccines or Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines? Parental Vaccine Hesitancy and Influenza Vaccine Type Preferences during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liao Qiuyan , YUAN Jiehu , Li Lan , Dong Meihong , So Hau Chi , Cowling Benjamin , Ip Dennis
Published: February 2024

Seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) significantly reduces influenza-related illnesses among school-aged children, yet parental vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent challenge. Two types of SIV are available for children in Hong Kong and other locations: inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV), administered through intramuscular injection, and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), administered via nasal spray. While injection or needle fears are important barriers to childhood vaccination uptake, little research has explored how vaccine hesitancy can shape parental preference for LAIV versus IIV, particularly amidst important public health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive rollout of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Our study employs a concurrent mixed-methods design to address this gap comprehensively. The quantitative part involves longitudinal surveys spanning three years, from pre-pandemic to post-pandemic periods, tracking parental vaccine hesitancy and preference for SIV types. The qualitative part involves 48 in-depth interviews, providing in-depth insights into parental preference for SIV types, underlying reasons, and corresponding values. Our quantitative analyses revealed an overall increase in parental vaccine hesitancy and preference for LAIV over IIV after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and especially after the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Further logistic regression modelling based on the cohort data showed that higher vaccine hesitancy, coupled with the COVID-19 vaccination campaign rollout, predicts a greater preference for LAIV over IIV. The qualitative analysis complements these results, highlighting that LAIV’s non-invasive nature aligns with parental values of prioritizing natural immunity and concerns about overmedication. Consequently, hesitant parents perceive LAIV as less intrusive and more acceptable, emphasizing the need for future tailored risk communication. Leveraging the higher acceptability of LAIV compared to IIV among parents with high vaccine hesitancy could promote childhood vaccination uptake.
WITHDRAWN: Near-full-length genomic sequences of two novel HIV-1 recombinant forms identified in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhao Feng , Chen Sisi , Shi Haoxi , Shi Penghui , Fan Weiguang
Published: February 2024

In recent years, homosexual contact has been the most common transmission route of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Hebei, China. In this study, we identified two novel HIV-1 unique recombinant forms (URFs) that originated from CRF01_AE/C (sample ID: BDL120) and subtypes B/C (sample ID: BDX016) among men who have sex with men(MSM) in 2023 in Hebei, repectively. A phylogenetic tree and recombination analysis of the near-full-length genome sequences showed that BDL120 was a recombinant originating from CRF01_AE and CRF01_C, whereas BDX016 consisted of subtypes B and C, containing eight and nine fragments of each, respectively. In BDL120, four C fragments were inserted into the CRF01_AE backbone, whereas in BDX016, four B fragments were inserted into the C backbone. This study demonstrates the increasing genetic complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic in Hebei Province and that molecular surveillance of the virus should continue to be strengthened.
Ensuring Physical Realism in Monte Carlo Simulations: A Cholesky Decomposition Approach
Authors: kumar rakesh
Published: February 2024

Monte Carlo simulations are widely employed for modeling random processes in physical materials, often utilizing exponential covariance functions to generate correlated vectors of random variables. However, an inherent challenge arises when these simulations produce negative values for variables such as elastic modulus or thermal conductivity, which are physically implausible. This study addresses this issue by investigating the impact of the covariance function’s parameter, sigma, on the feasibility of the simulated vectors. Through Cholesky decomposition, it is observed that a critical value of σ ensures that the generated vectors remain strictly non-negative. This finding highlights a crucial threshold for maintaining physical realism in simulations and provides a valuable insight for practitioners in the field. The study not only contributes to the refinement of Monte Carlo simulations but also prompts further exploration into the nuanced interplay between covariance functions and the feasibility of simulated results.
Projection of the land use and climate change impacts on runoff in the Bojnourd catchment under CMIP6 Scenarios
Authors: Hossainzadeh Ahmad , Kashki Abdolreza , Karami Mokhtar , Sabbaghian Reza Javidi
Published: February 2024

Climate and land use changes have a significant impact on the hydrological cycle in river catchment and water resources in several regions of the world. This study used Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) output and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for analyzing the simultaneous effects of land use and climate changes on the hydrological response and runoff of the Bojnourd catchment in Iran. First, the changes in climatic parameters during 2020-2050 were investigated, using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Thus, the scenarios of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP245) and (SSP585) were applied to predict temperature and precipitation. Also, the land use changes were analyzed for 2001 and 2019 and predicted for 2040, by using the Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI) based on the CA-Markov model. Besides, the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI2) algorithm is used for validation of the SWAT hydrological model. The results show that the land use model is accurate (Kappa coefficient of 0.91 and 0.95) and the hydrological model is acceptable, as the Nash-Sutcliffe (NS) coefficient in the calibration stage was 0.59 and in the confirmation stage it was 0.50 percent. The results indicate that between 2001 to 2040, the residential area has increased from 2.6 to 6 percent, and the barren area will increase from 23 to 27 percent, instead the rangeland will decrease from 59 to 47 percent. Generally, the precipitation will decline and the temperature will increase in the region. As a consequence, in both scenarios, the runoff decreases, while the land use change will cause a slight increase in the runoff, however, this increase is less than the decreased effect of climate change. The study helps to understand and manage the effects of climate change and land use change on water resources.
Increase in Plasma Succinate Correlates With Aerobic Lactate Production in a Porcine Model of Endotoxic Shock
Authors: Ruiz Juan D. Caicedo , Sanchez Jorge I. Alvarado , Fernández Juan J. Diaztagle , Brochero Cándida Diaz , Martinez Luis E. Cruz
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The Krebs or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle plays a key role in the regulation of immune responses and hypoxia adaptations that occur during sepsis. Although the concentrations of some of these intermediates have been reported to be increased in large cohorts of septic patients, a detailed analysis of their changes during sepsis is still lacking. Here, we investigated the plasma concentrations of several TCA intermediates in a porcine model of endotoxic shock and the relationship between these TCA cycle intermediates and lactate production.
Methods: Nine female pigs were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxic shock, while four females served as controls. Plasma samples were collected at three time points: baseline (T0), three (T3) and six (T6) hours after LPS administration. Control samples were collected at parallel time points. Quantification of TCA intermediates, lactate and pyruvate was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxygen-derived variables were obtained by gas analysis of arterial and venous samples.
Results: The endotoxic shock group showed a significant increase in lactate, accompanied by stability of oxygen-derived variables and a low L/P ratio, indicative of aerobic conditions. Of all the TCA intermediates analyzed, only citrate and succinate showed significant increases compared to controls. Furthermore, the changes in lactate were partly determined by the changes in succinate concentration.
Conclusion: The increase in succinate concentrations was associated with the increase in lactate under global aerobic conditions. Our results suggest a potential role for succinate as a biomarker of aerobic lactate production.
The relationship between physical activity and school adjustment in high school students: the chain mediating role of psychological resilience and self-control
Authors: Chen Hanwen , Lu Tianci , Sui Haoran , Liu Chong , Gao Yuan , Tao Baole , Yan Jun
Published: February 2024

Background Adaptive elements such as learning and interpersonal interactions of high school students need to be developed in the school environment. Thus, school adjustment is an essential developmental task in the academic growth of adolescent students. The present study was guided by the resource conservation theory and the power model of self-control and aimed to investigate the chain-mediated roles of psychological resilience and self-control in the physical activity and school adjustment of high school students.
Methods The study utilized whole population sampling and selected 2054 first- and second-year students from eight high schools in four regions of Jiangsu Province (M=16.45 years, SD=0.72 years). The questionnaires included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-S), Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale (PRS), Self-Control Scale (SCS), and School Adjustment Scale for High School Students. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Process 4.0 macros for mediation modeling.
Results The direct and indirect effects of physical activity on high school students' school adjustment were significant, and the indirect effects included three pathways: first, the separate mediating effect of psychological resilience; second, the separate mediating effect of self-control; and third, the chain mediating effect of psychological resilience and self-control.
Conclusion The study's results revealed the relationship and mechanism of action of physical activity on high school students' school adjustment, which provides essential theoretical and reference value for improving their school adjustment.
CHIGURU Adivasi Birth Cohort Study: A Protocol for Examining the Effects of Parental Substance Use on Child Development in Southern Indian Adivasi Communities
Authors: Shriyan Prafulla , Basappa Yogish Channa , Babu Giridhara R , Seshadri Tanya , Karthik Maithili , Bhojani Upendra , Bhat Deepa , Shapeti Suresh S , Srini Prashanth N
Published: February 2024

Background: Children of parents who use tobacco and alcohol are at increased risk for a variety of adverse outcomes, including emotional, social, behavioral, and cognitive problems. Parental smoking and alcohol use can also lead to nutrient deficiencies in children, as well as poor birth outcomes such as restricted growth. Among adivasi communities, disproportionately higher malnutrition, and increasing substance use could be contributing to persistent and inter-generational developmental disadvantages. However, there is limited research on the long-term health implications of parental substance use on children after birth. The proposed study will examine the effects of parental substance use on child growth and developmental outcomes in adivasi communities in southern Karnataka.
Methods: The research design involves a longitudinal cohort study, in which lactating/postnatal women and their partners along with other household members are recruited. This is the first large-scale adivasi birth cohort study to examine the effects of substance use among parents and other family members after delivery on infant growth and developmental indices. Information on the household socio-demographics, wealth index, diet, delivery information, depression, social support, morbidity status, substance use details, and child development with anthropometric details in baseline and follow-up visits shall be recorded. The study targets to recruit a sample size of 650 newborns and family members. The primary outcome is child growth parameters whereas the secondary outcome is early childhood development in terms of gross motor, fine motor, language, and social domain. The total duration of the study is five years (2021-2026).
Discussion: The study offers a comprehensive examination of parental substance use and its effect on child development in an adivasi community in south India. This will help researchers identify significant risk thresholds and better understand the consequences of parental substance use on infant development utilizing the prospective adivasi family cohort. The study will also address the long-term under-representation and neglect of such studies among adivasi populations and enable a long-term research engagement with the community. The study could inform policy and practice related to addressing substance use disorders and their effects on children. The public health implications include prioritizing the issues of parental substance use, and identification of early interventions to prevent adverse health outcomes in children.
Quality of Life Evaluation Using the Kidslife Scale in Individuals with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Trujillano Laura , Ayerza-Casas Ariadna , Puisac Beatriz , Latorre-Pellicer Ana , Arnedo María , Lucia-Campos Cristina , Gil-Salvador Marta , Parenti Ilaria , Kaiser Frank J. , Ramos Feliciano J. , Trujillano Javier , Pié Juan
Published: February 2024

Background
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder with multisystemic involvement. Despite numerous clinical and molecular studies, there is a paucity of research specifically addressing the evaluation of quality of life (QoL) and its relationship with syndrome-specific risk factors.
Methods
The QoL of 33 individuals diagnosed with CdLS, aged between 4 and 21 years, was evaluated through the Kidslife questionnaire. This study specifically examined the impact of 14 identified risk factors on the overall QoL and its eight domains.
Results
The study revealed below-median QoL at 45.3 percentile, with the most affected domains being physical well-being, personal development, and self-determination. Upon classifying our cohort according to QoL percentiles (Low: < p33, Medium: p33-p66, and High: > p66), the main risk factors identified included variants in the NIPBL gene, clinical scores ≥ 11, and severe behavioral and communication issues.
Conclusions
The Kidslife scale has demonstrated its utility as a valuable tool for assessing QoL in individuals diagnosed with CdLS. According to our findings, we highlight the necessity of applying specific therapies for behavioral problems after ruling out underlying causes such as pain or gastroesophageal reflux, and implementing measures that facilitate communication and promote social interaction in individuals with CdLS.
Cardinality estimation based on QDSPN for embedded databases under dynamic workload
Authors: Ding Xiaoou , Su Hongbin , Shen Ziming , Guan Yiming , Wang Hongzhi
Published: February 2024

Cardinality estimation has been a pivotal and enduring research focus within database query optimization. While significant advancements have been made in estimating cardinalities for both individual tables and complex multi-table joins, there remains a notable gap in research pertaining to embedded database scenarios. Embedded databases are typically characterized by limited resources and a preponderance of dense, short-term hotspot queries. As a result, cardinality estimation within the constraints of embedded databases poses additional complexities and challenges. In this paper, we introduce a novel Query-driven Sum-Product Network (QDSPN), which leverages the capabilities of sum-product networks (SPNs) to learn from historical data and adapt to dynamic workload variations. This approach effectively mitigates the inherent challenges of SPNs, such as false cluster collisions and independence assumption errors, particularly under conditions of strongly correlated data.
Furthermore, we propose a two-stage query clustering framework tailored for dynamic workload environments. This framework serves to guide the structural configuration of the sum-product network, enhancing its adaptability and efficiency. We conduct extensive experiments to validate the performance of QDSPN under dynamic workloads. The experimental results demonstrate the evident advantages of the proposed QDSPN, and highlight its potential for widespread adoption in embedded database systems.
Prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and associated factors among indigenous women of reproductive age in Ecuador
Authors: Vargas-Costales José Antonio , Rosero Carmen Yolanda de las Mercedes Villa , Mazin Suleimy Cristina , Candido-dos-Reis Francisco José , Nogueira Antonio Alberto , Rosa-e-Silva Julio Cesar , Poli-Neto Omero Benedicto
Published: February 2024

Background:Chronic pelvic pain is a common disease that affects approximately 4% of women of reproductive age in developed countries. This number is estimated to be higher in developing countries, with a significant negative personal and socioeconomic impact on women. The lack of data on this condition in several countries, particularly those in development and in socially and biologically vulnerable populations such as the indigenous, makes it difficult to guide public policies.
Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, non-cyclical pain) and identify which variables are independently associated with the presence of the condition in indigenous women from Otavalo-Ecuador.
Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out including a sample of 2429 women of reproductive age between 14-49 years old, obtained from April 2022 to March 2023. A directed questionnaire was used, collected by bilingual interviewers (Kichwa and Spanish) belonging to the community itself; the number of patients was selected by random sampling proportional to the number of women estimated by sample calculation. Data are presented as case prevalence, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval, with p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, non-cyclic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia was, respectively, 26.6%, 8.9%, and 3.9%.all forms of chronic pain were independently associated with each other. Additionally, dysmenorrhoea was independently associated with hypertension, intestinal symptoms, miscegenation, long cycles, previous pregnancy, use of contraceptives and pear body shape. Urinary symptoms, late menarche, exercise, and pear body shape were associated with non-cyclic pelvic pain. And, urinary symptoms, previous pregnancy loss, late menarche, hormone usage, and pear body shape were associated with dyspareunia.
Conclusion: The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and non-cyclical chronic pelvic pain was notably high, in contrast with the frequency of reported dyspareunia. Briefly, our results suggest an association between dysmenorrhoea and conditions related to inflammatory and/or systemic metabolic disorders, including a potential causal relationship with other manifestations of pelvic pain, and between non-cyclical pelvic pain and signs/symptoms suggesting central sensitization. The report of dyspareunia may be influenced by local cultural values and beliefs.
WITHDRAWN: Coronavirus Disease 2019 and its Impact on the Cognition of Older Adults: Unraveling the Role of Inflammation
Authors: Mortazavi Shahrzad , Rashedi Vahid , Cheraghian Bahman , Pourshams Fatemeh , Saeidimehr Saeid , Dehghan Bahram , Pourshams Maryam
Published: February 2024

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant global impact, particularly on the older adult population. To address concerns regarding the emergence and persistence of cognitive impairment and its potential risk factors, this study aimed to investigate cognitive function and its relationship with inflammation in older COVID-19 survivors during a three-month follow-up.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 177 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 aged >60 years were examined between July 2021 and February 2022.Psychiatric and cognitive assessments were conducted at discharge and at one month and three months post-discharge. All the statistical analyses were conducted using a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 (P<0.05). Cognitive status was analyzed with the Repeated Measures Test, and relationships between inflammatory indices and cognitive function were explored via the Pearson correlation test and Mann‒Whitney U test. The normality of the data was examined using the Kolmogorov‒Smirnov test.
Results:A cognitive assessment of patients indicated lower scores onthe informant subscales of the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) during the time of discharge, as well as at the 1-and 3-month follow-up intervals. Negative correlations were found between cognitive function and depression/anxiety. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were linked to lower cognitive scores, while the Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were not significantly correlated. Over time, cognitive function and anxiety improved, while depression and daily activity challenges persisted.
Conclusions: This study highlights the lingering impact of inflammation on cognition among older COVID-19 survivors. Moreover, these findings underscore the urgent need for focused interventions and rehabilitation efforts to foster sustained cognitive recovery in this population.