bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of LaB6 on the ablation properties and mechanism of C/HfC-SiC composites
Authors: Su Yi , Chen Sian , Shi Yangfan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites adopt a multicomponent matrix to increase stability in a wide temperature range. However, oxides with lower melting points evaporated rapidly under prolonged high heat flux erosion, leaving refractory metal oxides with residual porosity, which restricted the lifetime of the composites. This study prepared LaB6-modified C/HfC-SiC composites through slurry-assisted polymer infiltration and pyrolysis method to improve ablation resistance and reusability, the influence of different LaB6 contents on the ablation resistance and mechanism of composites were investigated. Results indicated HfC, SiC, and La were uniformly dispersed within the fiber bundles and matrix, the density and flexural strength of the composites doped 5 mol% LaB6 were 3.78 g/cm3 and 323 MPa, respectively. The oxide layer remained intact after ablation for 240 s, due to the molten La2Hf2O7 and La2Si2O7 with high melting-point and viscosity filled the crack in the HfO2 framework, which were formed by the reaction of La between SiO2 and HfO2. The linear and mass ablation rates of the composites with 5 mol% LaB6 were 4.75×10− 3 mm/s and 1.39×10− 3 g/s, respectively.
Predicting post-surgery change in visual acuity after successful repair of macula-off retinal detachments: findings from a large prospective UK cohort study
Authors: Yorston David , Donachie Paul , Laidlaw David , Steel David , Williamson Tom 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To identify risk factors affecting the change in visual acuity in successfully re-attached macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) surgery.
Design
A prospective study, using online databases, of visual outcomes for 2,770 macula-off retinal detachments that were successfully re-attached by vitrectomy and internal tamponade. The database included detailed retinal diagrams of each detachment.
Main outcome measure
The change in LogMAR visual acuity from pre-operatively to post-operatively.
Results
Male patients accounted for 64.6% of the sample and the median age was 63 years old. The median pre-operative VA was counting fingers (LogMAR 1.98); this improved to 0.30 LogMAR post-operatively. An improvement in VA of ≥ 0.30 LogMAR was achieved by 88.0% eyes. The change in VA model identified the preoperative VA, patient age, duration of central vision loss, lens status at follow up, extent of detachment, and the number of breaks in the detached retina, as factors influencing the change in VA. The model had an adjusted R2 of 0.749, and for 75.5% of eyes, the model prediction was within ± 0.30 LogMAR of the recorded VA change.
Conclusions
Greater post-operative visual acuity improvement was more likely in eyes that were pseudophakic at follow up, and had shorter durations of central vision loss. Non modifiable factors associated with greater vision improvement included worse presenting vision, younger age, less extensive detachment and less than three breaks in the detached retina. These results confirm that prompt surgery improves functional outcomes in successfully treated macula off retinal detachments irrespective of presenting visual acuity.
Structures of Native Doublet Microtubules from Trichomonas vaginalis Reveal Parasite-Specific Proteins as Potential Drug Targets
Authors: Zhou Z. Hong , Stevens Alexander , Kashyap Saarang , Crofut Ethan , Wang Shuqi , Muratore Katherine , Johnson Patricia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Doublet microtubules (DMTs) are flagellar components required for the protist Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) to swim through the human genitourinary tract to cause trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease. Lack of DMT structures has prevented structure-guided drug design to manage Tv infection. Here, we determined the cryo-EM structure of native Tv-DMTs, identifying 29 unique proteins, including 18 microtubule inner proteins and 9 microtubule outer proteins. While the A-tubule is simplistic compared to DMTs of other organisms, the B-tubule features specialized, parasite-specific proteins, such as TvFAP40 and TvFAP35 that form filaments near the inner and outer junctions, respectively, to stabilize DMTs and enable Tv locomotion. Notably, a small molecule, assigned as IP6, is coordinated within a pocket of TvFAP40 and has characteristics of a drug molecule. This first atomic model of the Tv-DMT highlights the diversity of eukaryotic motility machinery and provides a structural framework to inform rational design of therapeutics.
Vertical targeting of the PI3K/AKT pathway at multiple points is synergistic and effective for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kupcova Kristyna , Senavova Jana , Jura Filip , Herman Vaclav , Pacheco-Blanco Mariana , Chrbolkova Tereza , Hamova Iva , Davis R. Eric , Havranek Ondrej 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway is critically active in many cell types, both normal and neoplastic. Many small-molecule inhibitors targeting different levels of the PI3K/AKT pathway have been developed for cancer therapy, but their efficacy is reduced by compensatory pathway re-activation mechanisms, and their tolerability by side effects attributable to “on-target, off-tumor” pathway inhibition. We studied this problem using cell lines representing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (SUDHL-4 and OCI-Ly7), a genetically-encoded live-cell reporter of AKT activity, and 3 small-molecule inhibitors targeting different levels of the pathway: idelalisib (PI3Kδ), GSK2334470 (PDPK1), and ipatasertib (AKT). When used individually, the half-maximal (IC50) concentrations of these inhibitors for AKT activity inhibition (at 1 hour) were much lower than IC50 values for reduction of viable cell number (after 4 days). Time course studies provided an explanation of this discrepancy: AKT activity in the continuous presence of the inhibitors returned to normal after 24 hours, and was supranormal after inhibitor removal. Combining all 3 of these inhibitors produced sustained inhibition of AKT activity, was broadly synergistic at reducing viable cell number, enabled substantially lower doses of each inhibitor to be used, and was enhanced further by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. In a syngeneic mouse cell line model of lymphoma (A20), the triple combination showed antitumor activity and no evidence of toxicity. Our findings provide proof of concept suggesting further study of the safety and efficacy of low-dose multilevel PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition, for lymphoma and perhaps other cancers.
Forest biodiversity and structure modulate human health benefits and risks
Authors: Gillerot Loic , Landuyt Dries , Bourdin Audrey , Rozario Kevin , Shaw Taylor , Steinparzer Matthias , Stojek Katarzyna , Vanroy Tosca , Romero Ana Gabriela Cuentas , Müller Sandra , Oh Rachel , Proß Tobias , Bonal Damien , Bonn Aletta , Bruelheide Helge , Godbold Douglas , Haluza Daniela , Jactel Herve , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kilpi Katriina , Marselle Melissa , Ponette Quentin , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , De Frenne Pieter , MUYS Bart , Verheyen Kris 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Forest risks and benefits to human health are widely recognised. Yet, variation across forest types and their ecological characteristics driving health effects remain underexplored. Based on empirical data from an interdisciplinary European forest network, we developed a Bayesian Belief Network to quantify seven causal pathways relating different forest types to physical and mental health. Results show that forests always generate net health benefits regardless of their ecological characteristics. Forest canopy density and tree species diversity emerge as key drivers, but their effect size and directionality are strongly pathway-dependent. Changes in forest canopy density can generate trade-offs. For example, forests optimised for heat buffering and air pollution mitigation may compromise medicinal plant yield and enhance Lyme disease prevalence. Tree diversity effects were weaker but more consistently positive. Forest management should therefore account for such trade-offs to tailor forest biodiversity and functioning to local public health needs of priority.
Prevalence, and Microbiological and Clinical Characteristics of Elizabethkingia Isolates from a tertiary hospital in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Kang Xiuhua , Guo Huaming , Zhao Shanting , Zhang Wenzhen , Liu Peng , Mei Yanfang , Zeng Ling , Liu Yang , Wei Dandan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Elizabethkingia infections have gradually become life-threatening hospital-acquired infections worldwide with increasing morbidity, multidrug resistance, and poor prognosis. However, information on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Elizabethkingia infections in mainland China is limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the molecular and clinical characteristics, and drug susceptibility of clinical Elizabethkingia isolates from a hospital in Jiangxi Province, China.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 61 years (excluding one 13-day-old infant) and 74.8% were male. In total, 85.4% of patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit were infected with Elizabethkingia. COVID-19, respiratory disease, and central venous catheterization rates were significantly different (P <0.05) between the surviving and dying groups. Sequencing of 103 isolates identified 92 strains of Elizabethkingia anopheles, eight strains of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, two strains of Elizabethkingia bruuniana, and one strain of Elizabethkingia ursingii. The Vitek MS had a correct identification rate of 87% for E. anopheles. More than 90% of the Elizabethkingia isolates were susceptible to minocycline, but resistant to other drugs, including ceftazidime, aztreonam, and imipenem. Resistance genotype analysis showed that blaBlaB and blaCME were highly prevalent in the Elizabethkingia isolates. Molecular typing revealed 29 different PFGE types with clonal transmission between wards.
Conclusions
Multidrug-resistant Elizabethkingiaare beingdetected at increasing rates; a larger database is required for strain identification of this bacterium. This database could be beneficial for the subsequent determination of optimal antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of infections caused by different Elizabethkingia strains. Our PFGE model showed that most isolates had sufficient genetic diversity and clonal transmission; adequate attention should be paid to this pathogen.
Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Bangladeshi Female Sex Workers toward Their School -Going Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Khan Afia Mahmuda , Eusufzai Sumaiya Zabin , Farook Taseef Hasan , Hossain Sheikh Jamal , Sharmin Mehnaj , Shohid Sabrin , Shahed Lameea , Zerin Tabassum , Chanda Diptendu Kumar , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Children born into prostitution are at risk of facing barriers in accessing the healthcare sector. This research aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of female sex workers regarding their school-going children’s oral health, as well as the oral health status of their children in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 180 female sex worker mothers/ institutional caregivers and female sex worker’s school-going children from March 2023 to February 2024 using a structured questionnaire. The caries condition and gingival health were assessed on their children using the DMFT/dmft and gingival index(GI). At the same time, their plaque and calculus levels were evaluated using the calculus index(CI) and plaque index (PI) respectively.
Result: 79% of the mothers or caregivers possessed good knowledge of oral health, 77.2% maintained a positive attitude, and 62.8% were well-informed about the proper oral health practices for their children. Children living with sex worker mothers/institutional caregivers who had higher educational attainment were 3 times more likely to practice good oral health hygiene than those with mothers/caregivers of low educational level (OR=3.27, β:1.11, p-value<0.05, CI=1.36-7.87). Similarly, children living with mothers/caregivers who had good oral health knowledge scores tended to have 3 times higher oral health practice scores compared to those with poor oral health knowledge(OR=3.20, β:1.16, p-value<0.05, CI=1.36-7.87).
Conclusion: Our study suggests that although FSW mothers/ institutional caregivers have better oral health knowledge regarding their children, they are unable to put this into practice for their children. Government-sponsored dental health camps should be made available to address the oral health needs of the targeted community. An educational approach aimed at both the sex worker mother and the children should be designed so that the children can develop improved oral hygiene practices.
Connecticut providers knowledge and attitudes towards use of extreme risk protection orders
Authors: Pandya Nishant , Dodington James , Jacob Joshua , Raskin Sarah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are a legislative tool that temporarily restrict firearm access in patients with higher suicide risk. ERPOs have reduced firearm suicide rates in Connecticut and are estimated to save one life per 10 orders filed. Connecticut medical providers can initiate this process, but less than 8% of 2020 ERPOs were filed by providers. This survey assesses provider knowledge and attitudes towards use of ERPOs.
Methods
This study electronically surveyed providers from six hospitals regarding their current knowledge of the Connecticut ERPO law, perceived barriers to the use of the law and procedures that might make use more likely.
Results
114 providers completed the survey in 2022. 66 (57.8%) providers encountered more than 1 patient per year at risk for suicide with firearm access. Only 2 providers had ever initiated an ERPO, but both found it extremely helpful. Only 1 provider was extremely familiar with ERPO while 91 (83.4%) were not familiar. Barriers to using ERPO include negatively impacting the patient relationship, and not enough time to call and follow up. ERPO specific training, and trained on-site coordinators to help file and follow through were ways to encourage to ERPO utilization.
Conclusion
The majority of providers encounter at least one patient annually who may benefit from an ERPO. However, providers are largely unfamiliar with ERPO and the filing process. Time cost is the greatest barrier to its utilization. Provider training and trained coordinators to process ERPO were the two most requested supports to encourage providers to initiate ERPOs.
Effect of different gastrointestinal decompression methods during general anesthesia
Authors: Jingya Li , Xueting Wang , Hongjuan Zhao , Hesong Gong , Xiaochun Zhao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective: During general anesthesia with drainage laryngeal mask airway (LMA) ventilation, a gastric tube or suction catheter is inserted through the drainage LMA hole during surgery. This allows for gastrointestinal decompression by vacuum aspiration. This study aimed to observe the effect of two decompression methods on the incidence of postoperative flatulence, nausea and vomiting, and other adverse reactions in patients undergoing general anesthesia.
Methods: Sixty patients (ASA I–II, aged 18–70 years) undergoing gynecological surgery with LMA ventilation under general anesthesia were randomly categorized into the gastric tube group (group G) and the suction catheter group (group S). After induction of general anesthesia, a gastric tube or suction catheter was placed through the drainage port of the drainage LMA in both groups, and vacuum aspiration was intermittently performed during the surgery. The antral area was monitored under ultrasound at three time points: after admission, after LMA insertion, and after LMA. Also, the incidence of adverse reactions, such as flatulence, and nausea and vomiting, was followed up at 1, 6, and 24 h after the surgery.
Results: No significant difference was found in general data, age, ASA grade, body mass index, ventilation time, and laryngeal mask cuff inflation volume between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with group G, the antral area in group S increased significantly after the surgery (P < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and flatulence, in group S significantly increased 1 and 6 h after the surgery (all P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and flatulence, between the two groups 24 h after the surgery. No significant difference was noted in the incidence of sore throat and hoarseness at three time points after the surgery between the two groups.
Conclusions:Under general anesthesia with drainage LMA ventilation, gastrointestinal decompression with a gastric tube placed through the LMA drainage port could effectively prevent flatulence and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting. The placement of a suction catheter could not achieve the same clinical effect.
Clinical trial registration：Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number ChiCTR2300078990)
Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma/ Waldenström Macroglobulinemia in a Patient with Hemophagocytic Syndrome
Authors: TU SHENGKE , YANG JING , LI MIN , SONG KUI 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) associated with monoclonal immunoglobulin M protein (IgM). It is a rare type of indolent B-cell lymphoma. MYD88L265P mutation is an important molecular marker for the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis of WM. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe inflammatory response syndrome caused by genetic or acquired immunoregulatory dysfunction. It is extremely rare for WM and HLH to occur simultaneously in the same patient. So far, no case of WM and HLH has been reported, and the reason for the coexistence of WM and HLH is still unclear. With the advent of new therapies, the survival time of patients with WM and HLH has improved. Therefore, it is of great value to further investigate the clinical features, pathophysiology and prognosis of these cases. We present a case study of a 68-year-old woman who was diagnosed with WM. Following treatment with the Bendamustine/rituximab (BR) regimen, the patient experienced persistent high fever, leading to further investigations for a diagnosis of HLH. This report highlights the rarity of WM combined with HLH and provides valuable raw data for future clinical research.
The kinematic and physiological pilot study on obstacle properties for young adults with visual and hearing impairments
Authors: Misa Miura , Masahiro Kohzuki , Hiromitsu Goto , Midori， Homma , Harada Taku 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Individuals with visual and hearing impairments often experience a lower quality of life (QOL) and reduced physical motor functions due to restricted activity ranges. This reduction in physical activity can lead to overactivity of cardiac sympathetic nerves, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the specific differences in physiological and kinematic responses due to the characteristics of visual and hearing impairments remain unclear. This pilot study aimed to investigate these differences in 34 university students using an orthostatic tolerance test and to analyze various parameters, including indicators of arteriosclerosis and physical motor functions. Participants were divided into three groups: healthy individuals, individuals with visual impairments, and individuals with hearing impairments. The results showed no significant differences in QOL and physical motor abilities between healthy and impaired individuals. However, distinct differences were observed in the orthostatic tolerance test based on the type of impairment. Associations between autonomic nervous system parameters and arteriosclerosis indicators were also identified in individuals with visual or hearing impairments. These findings highlight the necessity of addressing health risks specific to the type of impairment from a young age, suggesting the potential benefits of tailored preventive health programs.
Assessment of environmental parameters in natural coastal scenery and compositional by means of an innovative approach
Authors: Mastromatteo Nicole , Drudi Lia , Gallione Davide , Bellopede Rossana , Clerico Marina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) in natural coastal environments can include sea spray aerosol (SSA), mineral dust, and particles from human activities. In a natural and uncontaminated scenario, three measurement campaigns were conducted on the island of Culuccia (Sardinia, Italy) to evaluate the PM concentration and the contribution of SSA in different seasons. The observed trend of concentrations of the various PM fractions confirmed the direct correlation with the main weather-climate parameters like temperature, relative Humidity (rH), and wind speed. Precipitation was not considered since rainfall events were too few in all three measurement campaigns. To evaluate the chemical composition of SSA particles, the collected PTFE filter was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX. The combined use of both techniques on the same PM particle represents an innovative approach that allows individual particles to be uniquely identified. The main compounds classes found are carbonaceous fraction, secondary formation salts (nitrates and sulfates), sodium chloride, silicates, and aluminosilicates. In the March and June campaigns, considerable quantities of nitrates and sodium chloride were found; in contrast, in the October campaign, considerable quantities of different types of sulfates were detected, with nitrates and sodium chloride being absent. A correlation between the PM composition and meteorological parameters was observed according to the value of the Deliquescence Relative Humidity (DRH), highlighting the influence of weather and climate conditions on the chemical composition of sea spray in natural coastal environments, especially for the relative humidity and coarse and fine PM trends.
Effi̇ci̇ency Evaluati̇on of Turki̇sh Ports: Integrated Fuzzy Entropy- Fuzzy Marcos Analysi̇s
Authors: albayrak özlem karadağ 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this research, the Fuzzy Entropy-based Fuzzy MARCOS method is proposed for the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem covering the efficiency analysis of Turkish ports. Port alternatives were evaluated according to nine different evaluation criteria. All of these criteria are quantitative criteria. The uncertainty of quantitative criteria is based on the different values they take at different time periods. To overcome this problem, in this study, the importance levels of the criteria were determined by the Fuzzy Entropy method. Then, 11 port alternatives with a share of over 1% in transportation in Turkish ports were ranked according to their efficiency using the Fuzzy Measurement of alternatives and ranking to Compromise solution (MARCOS) method. The results showed that the most effective port among container ports is Kocaeli port. This method can enable a more accurate assessment of the efficiency level of ports and its use in planning and effective use of port investments.