bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voices from the ICU: A qualitative study of healthcare providers’ decision-making experiences during the provision of life-sustaining treatment in intensive care units of public and private referral hospitals in Uganda
Authors: Odongo Patrick , Kamugisha Fred , Kutyabami Paul , Sewankambo Nelson K. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:The overall goal of intensive care treatment is to ensure patients return to an acceptable functional state, and, the decision-making in administering life-sustaining treatment (LST) is a key determinant of patients’ survival in intensive care units (ICUs). We explored the decision-making experiences and practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding their use of LST in ICUs in Uganda.
Methodology:This was a phenomenological study, conducted in ICUs of a public and private hospital in Uganda’s capital Kampala. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected clinicians involved in making decisions regarding the provision of LST in both hospitals. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo software, series 1.0.
Results:we found that, clinicians’ decision-making for administering LST followed a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition and engaged the patient’s family in the process. However, some dilemmas arose when the intensivists and the patient’s family disagreed on treatment decisions and in dealing with advanced directives. There were no standard guidelines followed while deciding on LST in the ICUs. The factors influencing decisions to withdraw or withhold LST included; financial capacity of the patient’s family, resource capacity of the hospital, status of clinical examination, patient’s age, response to treatment, and fear of litigations.
Conclusion and recommendations: whereas some clinicians’ practices were based on internationally recommended clinical ethical conduct such as engaging the patient’s family in decision-making, the lack of national and/or institutional standard processes that guide decision-making remains a challenge. Establishing structured and functional clinical ethics committees, treatment guidelines or protocols could guide decision-making and improve the survival of patients in these ICUs.
Analytical Method of Development and Validation for Determination of Canagliflozin And Metformin in API and Synthetic Mixture by RP-HPLC.
Authors: Bhavna Bhavna A. Patel , Falguni Falguni N. Patel , abhishek Abhishek K. Pandey , urpit Urpit R. Patel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

There is a newly developed formulation for the management of the Diabetes is Combination of Canagliflozin with Metformin. As a result, an attempt was made to create and validate a simple, precise, accurate, and reproducible RP-HPLC technique for determining Canagliflozin and Metformin in a binary mixture, which was validated in accordance with ICH Q2 (R1). The mobile phase consisted of Acetonitrile: Phosphate Buffer (pH 3.5) (70:30 v/v), and the Chromatogram was obtained at 254 nm for the separation of the two compounds. The retention times for Canagliflozin and Metformin were 2.2 min and 4.2 min respectively. The linearity was seen in the concentration range of 15–40µg/ml and 10–30µg/ml with co-efficient of correlation, r2 = 0.9997and r2 = 0.9998 for Canagliflozin and Metformin, respectively. The Active Content of Canagliflozin and Metformin determined in the Binary combination from the suggested approach were 99.43% for Canagliflozin and 99.59% for Metformin after completing the Assay. Canagliflozin's LOD and LOQ values were 0.3433 µg/ml and 1.0421 µg/ml, while Metformin's were 0.5927 µg/ml and 1.7962 µg/ml. The discovered method was used to synthetic formulations for the specific identification of Canagliflozin and Metformin.
Genome-scale CRISPRi screen identifies pcnB repression conferring improved physiology for overproduction of free fatty acids in Escherichia coli
Authors: Cao Yingxiu , Fang Lixia , Hao Xueyan , Fan Jie , Liu Xiaolei , Chen Yaru , Wang Lian , Song Hao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Microbial physiology plays a pivotal role in construction of superior microbial cell factories for efficient biosynthesis of desired products. Here we identify that pcnB repression confers improved physiology for overproduction of free fatty acids (FFAs) in Escherichia coli through genome-scale CRISPRi modulation combining fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The repression of pcnB can enhance the stability and abundance of the transcripts of genes involved in the proton-consuming system, thereby supporting global improvements in membrane properties, redox state, and energy level. Based on pcnB repression, further repression of acrD increases FFAs biosynthesis by enhancing FFAs efflux. The engineered strain pcnBi-acrDi-fadR+ achieves 35.1 g l−1 FFAs production in fed-batch fermentation, which is the maximum titer reported to date in E. coli. This study highlights the significance of uncovering hidden genetic determinants that confer improved microbial physiology for enhancing the biosynthesis of desired products.
Wildfires drive multi-year water quality degradation over the western U.S.
Authors: Brucker Carli , Livneh Ben , Rosario-Ortiz Fernando , Yao Fangfang , Williams A. , Becker William , Kampf Stephanie , Rajagopalan Balaji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Wildfires can dramatically alter water quality with severe implications for human and freshwater systems. Although regional assessments of these effects can aid water managers in mitigation efforts, analyses to date have been limited by water quality data availability. Here, we unify observations from 245 burned catchments across the western U.S., applying a novel analytical framework to compare post-fire signals to baseline levels from 293 unburned basins for the period 1984–2021. Carbon, phosphorus, and turbidity exhibit significantly elevated levels (p ≤ 0.05) in the first 1–6 years post-fire, while nitrogen and sediment show significant increases up to 8 years post-fire. In each constituents’ peak post-fire response year, average loads of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are 7–110 times pre-fire levels and sediment and turbidity 25–500 times greater than pre-fire. Higher responses are linked with greater forested and developed areas, with these characteristics respectively explaining up to 75 and 45% of inter-basin response variability. Overall, this analysis provides strong evidence of multi-year water quality degradation following wildfires in the U.S. West, as well as the influence of basin and wildfire features. These insights will aid in assessing watersheds’ vulnerability to the impacts of future wildfires.
Human blood index of Anopheles arabiensis in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yeshanew Solomon , Adugna Fasil , Nibret Endalkachew , Atenafu Getnet 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, with approximately 60% of the population being at risk to the disease. Anopheles arabiensis, the primary malaria vector, exhibits varied feeding behaviors influenced by factors such as geography, climate and control intervention. Understanding the mosquito's preference for blood meal is crucial for devising effective control strategies. This study thus aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing evidence on An. arabiensis' human blood index (HBI) in Ethiopia, with the goal of providing insights into its feeding patterns and informing targeted malaria control efforts.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases to select relevant studies following the PRISMA guidelines. A format on an Excel Spreadsheet was prepared for data extraction; focused on study characteristics, including publication year, study location, mosquito collection methods, and proportion of HBI. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using criteria adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklist. STATA version-15 software was employed for data analysis, with random-effects models used to estimate the pooled HBI at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted across regions and mosquito collection methods. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using I2 test.
Results
Twenty studies published from 1997 to 2023 were included and a total of 15,028 blood-fed An. arabiensis were identified. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled HBI of An. arabiensis in Ethiopia was 31.4% (95% CI: 21.25–41.54). Subgroup analysis demonstrated varying HBIs across different regions, with the highest proportion observed in mixed region 3 (64.02%, 95% CI: 61.78–66.25) and the lowest in the Amhara Regional State (7.53%, 95% CI: -1.58-16.65). Temporal fluctuations of HBI were also evident over time, with the highest HBI recorded in 2014 (70.62%, 95% CI: 68.72–72.46) and the lowest in 2021 (0%, 95% CI: 0.00-1.30).
Conclusion
The present study showed that the pooled proportion of HBI in Ethiopia was 31.4%, which denotes the mosquito’s human blood meal preference in the country remain high. Yet, the proportion varies across regions and settings. Insights into its feeding patterns in the country highlight the importance of tailored malaria control strategies. Continuous surveillance and further research is warranted to understand the factors driving variations in HBI and to develop evidence-based prevention and control measures.
Near-global spawning strategies of large pelagic fish
Authors: Buenafe Kristine Camille , Neubert Sandra , Scales Kylie , Dunn Daniel , Everett Jason , Flower Jason , Suthers Iain , Granado-Dieseldorff Pablo , Dabalà Alvise , Esturas Kris Jypson , Mercer James , Richardson Anthony 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Knowledge of spawning strategies of large pelagic fish could provide insights into their underlying evolutionary drivers, but large-scale information on spawning is limited. Here we use a near-global larval dataset for 15 large pelagic fish to build habitat suitability models and use these as a proxy for spawning grounds.We found considerable consistency in spawning in time and space, with 10 taxa spawning in spring/summer and 11 taxa spawning off Northwest Australia. Considering the vast ocean area where these large pelagic fish could spawn, these results suggest that the evolutionary benefits of co-locating spawning in terms of advantageous larval conditionsoutweigh the benefits of segregated spawning in terms of reduced competition and lower larval predation. The knowledge that many large-pelagic fish taxa co-locate their spawning could inform marine management through fisheries measures to protect spawners, and the placement of marine protected areas.
The Effectiveness of Online Educational Interventions on Imposter Syndrome and Burnout Among Medical Trainees: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hsu Chun Lun , Liu Cheng Heng , Huang Chih Chung , Chen Huey Ling , Chiu Yen Lin , Yang Chih Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Imposter syndrome and burnout are highly prevalent among medical students and trainees, significantly impacting their mental health and professional development. The advent of online educational interventions provides a promising solution, offering accessibility and flexibility to tackle these issues. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of online educational interventions in alleviating imposter syndrome and burnout among medical learners.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycInfo, identifying relevant studies published up to March 2024. Studies focused on online interventions targeting imposter syndrome and burnout among medical students, residents, and fellows were included, and their quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI).
Results: Among the screened studies, six met our inclusion criteria, comprising four randomized controlled trials, one qualitative study, and one mixed-methods study. Their mean MERSQI score was 14.67 (SD 1.23), indicating a high methodological quality. The interventions adopted in these studies varied, including group coaching sessions, workshops, and provision of educational resources. Notably, two randomized trials demonstrated significant reductions in imposter syndrome symptoms after online interventions, compared with the control groups. On the other hand, results for burnout outcomes were equivocal, with some studies reporting improved emotional exhaustion scores and decreased burnout risk, while others found no significant differences.
Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that structured online educational interventions, particularly those incorporating coaching and cognitive reframing strategies, can effectively reduce imposter syndrome among medical trainees. However, the impact on burnout remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to optimize online program components and implementation strategies to comprehensively address both imposter syndrome and burnout in this population.
Mulberry fruit powder -Enriched bread：Development，Antioxidant and enzyme activity inhibition properties
Authors: Yin Jiajun , Pan Xiaoya , Zheng Jun'an , Zhang Xindi , Zhang Xiangrong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare a function bread by adding mulberry fruit powder, and investigate the influence on physical, sensorial and biological properties of the bread. The response surface optimization experiments were used to optimize the formulation of mulberry enriched bread. The contents of total polyphenols, total flavonoids and total polysaccharides in mulberry bread were determined by UV spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity and enzyme activity inhibition properties of mulberry bread were also determined. The results showed that the highest sensory scores of mulberry breads were obtained when mulberry fruit powder, butter, yeast and salt were added at 11.3%, 5.8%, 1.2% and 0.9%. The total polyphenols, flavonoids and polysaccharides were 1.63 ± 0.01 mg/g, 1.05 ± 0.06 mg/g and 11.72 ± 0.1 mg/g. The DPPH radical scavenging, OH•ˉ radical scavenging and ABTS radical scavenging capacities of mulberry bread were 66.83 ± 1.23%, 48.53 ± 0.87% and 51.24 ± 1.51%. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition rate of mulberry bread was 15.86 ± 1.24% and 18.91 ± 1.87%, respectively. In vitro digestive experiments had shown that the addition of mulberry fruit powder could reduce the amount of glucose releasing, and slowing down the rise of postprandial blood sugar in humans. Mulberry fruit addition in bread production enables the formulation of high-nutritive, good antioxidative, low-energy bread; and enzyme activity inhibitory properties.
Neuronal segmentation in cephalopod arms
Authors: Olson Cassady , Schulz Natalie , Ragsdale Clifton 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The prehensile arms of the cephalopod are among these animals' most remarkable features, but little is known about the neural circuitry governing arm and sucker movements1,2. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular organization of the arm nervous system, focusing on the massive axial nerve cords (ANCs) in the octopus arms which collectively harbor four times as many neurons as the central brain3. We found that the ANC is segmented. In transverse cross sections, the ANC cell body layer wraps around the neuropil with no apparent segregation of sensory and motor neurons. In longitudinal sections, however, ANC neurons form segments, setting up a modular organization to the adjoining ANC neuropil. The septa between each segment are, in contrast, neuron-poor but contain nerve exits, vasculature and abundant collagen. Surprisingly, nerves exiting from neighboring septa differ in their fiber trajectories indicating that multiple adjoining segments must cooperate to innervate the arm musculature fully. The nerves for each sucker also exit through septa and set up a spatial “suckerotopy” in the ANC. A strong link between ANC segmentation and flexible sucker-laden arms was confirmed by comparative study of squid arms and tentacles. The ANC segmental modules represent a new template for understanding the motor control of octopus soft tissues. They also provide the first example of nervous system segmentation in a mollusc4.
Performance-aware Optimal Controller Placements Via Genetic Algorithms for Software Defined Networking
Authors: Nuguse Gutema Bote , Gemeda Ketema Adere , Ramulu Perumalla Janaki , Krishna T. Gopi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Software-defined Network is a new paradigm of providing the efficient network management using the concept of control and data place separation. Multi-controllers designing is a promising way to achieve reliability and scalability. However, it brings the new problem of controller placement in a distributed architecture. For this, two recent approaches of controller placement (CP) are based on controller placement simulated annealing (CPSA) and controller placement particle swarm optimization (CPPSO). However, these approaches are still not effective in placement of controllers. Thus, there is performance degrading of the systems. To solve these problems, the controller placement based on a Genetic Algorithm (CPGA) has been proposed in this research. The proposed CPGA has used the fitness value of each node to locate the controllers at their optimal place. Also, the GA operations continues until it gets the optimal placement of controllers and after locating the controller at their appropriate place, it was used for a long time in the case of near optimal rather than the existing approaches. The performance comparison has been done based on parameters such as throughput and delay. It is observed with comparison of CPSA and CPPSO that the proposed CPGA outperforms on given parameters. The proposed CPGA shows efficiency in placing controllers at their optimal locations.
Finite Element Method for minimizing geometric error in the bending of large sheets
Authors: Val Alain Gil Del , Penalva Mariluz , Veiga Fernando , Moussaoui Bilal El 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Minimizing geometric error in the bending of large sheets remains a challenging endeavor in the industrial environment. This specific industrial operation is characterized by protracted cycles and limited batch sizes. Coupled with extended cycle times, the process involves a diverse range of dimensions and materials. Given these operational complexities, conducting practical experimentation for data extraction and control of industrial process parameters proves to be unfeasible. To gain insights into the process, finite element models serve as invaluable tools for simulating industrial processes for reducing experimental cost. Consequently, the primary objective of this research endeavor is to develop an intelligent finite element model capable of providing operators with pertinent information regarding the optimal range of key parameters to mitigate geometric error in the bending of large sheets. The average geometric error in curvature is recorded at 0.97%, thereby meeting the stringent industrial requirement for achieving such bending with minimal equivalent plastic deformation. As such, these findings present promising prospects for the automation of the industrial process.
Biological Applications of Yttrium oxide Nanocomposites synthesized from Aspergillus penicillioides and their Potential Role in Environmental Remediation
Authors: Vinayagam Yamini , Vijayarangan Devi Rajeswari 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Industrial effluent contains hazardous metals like lead and nickel that must be eliminated to prevent serious illnesses. The biological production of nanocomposites, which uses a range of biological resources including microbes and plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, has drawn a lot of attention in recent years. The goal of the current study is to generate Y2O3 nanocomposites, in a unique, feasible, and biodegradable manner by using biological substances. The characterization outcomes demonstrated that Aspergillus penicillioides was capable of extracellular synthesis of Y2O3 nanocomposites with a spherical shape. Using Y2O3 nanocomposites, lead and nickel were photocatalyzed. The effect of functional elements, like nanocatalyst dosage, pH, lead and nickel concentration, and the light source, was examined in the batch adsorption assessments. With a higher adsorption rate of 60% for lead and nickel concentrations of 4 µg/ml, 2 µg/ml for the nanocatalyst, and a pH of 6, the photocatalytic reduction of lead and nickel demonstrated the effectiveness of the Y2O3 nanocomposites as a catalyst. The pseudo-first, second order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models were used to explain the adsorption isotherm and its kinetics. The biological applications, which included analysis of bacterial protein leakage, antioxidant activity, and antibiotic activity, were also demonstrated. Eco-friendliness of the Y2O3 nanocomposite was determined by the hemolytic assay. Ultimately, our study exhibits the novel bio-based Aspergillus penicillioides-arbitrated Y2O3 nanocomposites that work well as a bioremediating agent.
Design of ionic liquids for HF/HFC-245fa superefficient separation: COSMO-RS selection and process assessment
Authors: Liao Yuan-Hao , Zeng Jijun , Yang Zhiqiang , Han Sheng , Zhao Bo , An Yu , Tang Xiaobo , Yu Tao , Zhang Wei , Lv Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Recycling HF is a significant issue in the field of organofluoride chemistry. The primary challenge in this process is the separation of azeotropes containing HF, such as the azeotropic mixture of HF and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa), which have similar boiling points. This study investigates the application of extractant distillation (ED) with four ionic liquids (ILs) for separating HFC-245fa/HF at the molecular scale, cell dimension, and systematic level (including the optimisation and analysis of ED). The optimal IL was first screened with COSMO-RS. Screening results confirmed that [Tf2N]-based ILs are the most suitable extractants. The effects of IL structure on F-gas solubility were analysed using surface charge density profiles and electrostatic potential. Four typical ILs were selected based on physical properties and thermodynamic performance. A continuous ED process for separating HFC-245fa/HF was simulated and evaluated in Aspen Plus using the selected ILs, resulting in 99.5 mol% HFC-245fa and 99.5 mol% HF. The optimal operation parameters were determined using sequential quadratic programming based on the purity requirements. Energy consumption analysis revealed that [C1Py] [Tf2N] is the optimal IL for HF/HFC-245fa separation from the process perspective, with heat and cooling duties of 467.82 kW and 304.80 kW, respectively.
Optimal Event-Enhanced Heterogeneous Dynamic Knowledge Graph construction for patient clinical pathway analysis
Authors: EDJINEDJA kokou , Barakat oussama , Omar Elfahim , Desmettre Thibaut , Robert-Nicoud Stephan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose:: Clinical pathways (CPs) leave traces of patients and play a crucial role in the decision-making process of healthcare professionals. The purpose of this study is to uncover patient CPs from heterogeneous data and leverage the formalism method based on Event Graphs to depict them. Moreover, the structure gained can be memory space-consuming. Alternatively, this article aims to find a structural optimization algorithm to reduce memory space in polynomial time.
Materials and methods:: The presented approach uncovers CPs from the events log of patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) and depicts them using Event Graphs methodology. The presented approach defines a structural optimization problem centered on information theory to reduce memory space.
Results: The presented approach is evaluated on synthetic events data of patients extracted from MIMIC-3 and uses Neo4j framework and Docker to ensure respectively CPs analysis and method reproducibility.
Conclusion:: The experiment demonstrated a high capability of the CPs uncover algorithm to derive patient traces from the events log. The optimal structure minimizes the number of events while maintaining the amount of information provided.