bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free water surface constructed wetlands: Review of pollutant removal performance and modeling approaches
Authors: Gaballah Mohamed S. , Yousefyani Hooshyar , Karami Mohammadjavad , Lammers Roderick W. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Free water surface constructed wetlands (FWSCWs) for the treatment of various wastewater types have evolved significantly over the last few decades. With an increasing need and interest in FWSCWs applications worldwide due to their cost-effectiveness and other benefits, this paper reviews recent literature on FWSCWs' ability to remove different types of pollutants (i.e., nutrients, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides) that may co-exist in wetland inflow, and discusses approaches for simulating hydraulic and pollutant removal processes. A bibliometric analysis of recent literature reveals that China has the highest number of publications, followed by the USA. The collected data show that FWSCWs can remove an average of 61.6%, 67.8%, 54.7%, and 72.85% of inflowing nutrients, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides, respectively. Optimizing each pollutant removal process requires specific design parameters. Removing heavy metal requires the lowest hydraulic retention time (HRT) (average of 4.78 days), removing pesticides requires the lowest water depth (average of 0.34 meters), and nutrient removal requires the largest system size. Vegetation, especially Typha spp. and Phragmites spp., play an important role in FWSCWs' system performance, making significant contributions to the removal process. Various modeling approaches (i.e., black-box and process-based) were comprehensively reviewed, revealing the need for including the internal process mechanisms related to the biological processes along with plants spp., that supported by a further research with field study validations. This work presents a state-of-the-art, systematic, and comparative discussion on the efficiency of FWSCWs in removing different pollutants, main design factors, the vegetation, and well-described models for performance prediction.
Statistical Evaluation of Respondents’ Temperature, Covid-19 Status and Selected Socio-Demographic Variables in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Osuolale Kazeem , Adewale Babatunde , Raheem Toyosi , Otekunrin Oluwaseun , Lawal Dayo , Akinsolu Folahanmi , Shobanke Dolapo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Global health has been a major cause for concern ever since the coronavirus disease emerged in December 2019. COVID-19 symptoms include an elevated body temperature above the normal, and preventive measures against the causative agent involve social distancing, the use of face masks, and frequent hand washing. This study evaluates respondents’ temperature and COVID status to reduce the risk of SARs-Cov-2 infection. The risk of infection was estimated using a logistic regression model for inferential analysis. Data for this study was collected through a cross-sectional survey that started in March 31, 2020 and ended in April 30, 2020 at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos. The study comprised 2160 participants, of whom 1147 (53.1%) were women and 1013 (46.9%) were men. Among them, 69 (3.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with five participants (7.2%) exhibiting elevated body temperature, while 64 (92.8%) participants had normal body temperature. Although gender did not have a significant effect on body temperature (p > 0.05), female participants were 1.5 times more likely to have a normal temperature for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The temperature of participants was significantly affected by their age (p < 0.05), with odds of having a normal body temperature to detect SARS-CoV-2 being 0.34 times lower for participants aged ≤ 49 years. The mode of transportation used also had a significant effect on the temperature condition of participants (p < 0.05). Participants who walked to the testing center were 2.26 times more likely to have a normal body temperature for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the COVID-19 status of participants had a significant effect on their temperature (p < 0.05). This study found that participants who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 were 3.33 times more likely to have a normal body temperature. These results support the notion that asymptomatic transmission is a critical factor in the overall incidence of COVID-19. Furthermore, these findings are consistent with those of other studies conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria. The study's findings on the limitations of temperature as a sole indicator of COVID-19 infection and the potential role of asymptomatic transmission have implications for sustainability in public health. By informing targeted resource allocation, emphasizing holistic approaches to disease management, and promoting effective communication, these findings contribute to sustainable strategies for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and supporting the overall well-being of communities. The findings of this study can be extended to address broader concerns regarding sustainability and its implications for public health in Nigeria.
Shoulder Shake-up: Unveiling the Unusual Case of Acute Melioidosis
Authors: Khatod Yash , TR Neetha , Kumar Deepak , Gupta Neha , Rajagopal Rengarajan , Tak Vibhor 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Melioidosis is one of the emerging infections in India, especially in arid northwestern part of the country and often neglected due to lack of awareness among clinicians. The diseases usually present as multifocal or focal abscesses with bacteremia, yet the isolated septic monoarthritic complicated with septic venous thrombosis is a rare presentation.
Case: This case report describes a 48-year-old male business executive with diabetes and alcoholism who developed septic arthritis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and no clear history of exposure to the organism. The patient initially experienced fever, chills, fatigue, reduced urine output, and signs of early sepsis. Despite initial improvement with fluid therapy and antibiotics, the patient's fever persisted. Meticulous clinical examination revealed signs of inflammation and movement restriction in the left shoulder which letter on became obvious and the main complaints of patient. Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Imaging showed septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, lymphadenitis, and venous thrombosis in the left shoulder. Surgical debridement was performed, and the tissue cultures showed the growth of the same pathogen. This led to significant clinical improvement and with prolonged course of antibiotics, complete resolution of symptoms and normal joint function was achieved.
Conclusion: This case report serves to highlight the rare and atypical presentation of Melioidosis and the importance of suspecting this infection in nonendemic regions underscoring the probable impact of climate change. Early diagnosis, effective source control measures and prolonged antibiotic therapy, emerges as pivotal factors contributing to favorable outcomes in such cases.
Experimental and numerical study on the out-of-plane behaviour of auxetic and hybrid auxetic structures
Authors: Bagewadi Santosh S , Bhagchandani Ranjeet Kumar , Manivannan Sugavaneswaran , Sinha Manoj Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Auxetic Metamaterials having a negative Poisson’s ratio are gaining attention among researchers due to their excellent energy absorption characteristics.Most of the research on auxetic materials is focused on in-plane behaviour,while out-of-plane loads also influence auxetic materials in practical applications. The current study investigates the out-of-plane behaviour of the auxetic and hybrid auxetic structure. The stress concentration regions of the re-entrant structure are reduced by rounding the corners and varying the strut area uniformly. Recently, a hybrid auxetic structure has been proposed,combining theconventional hexagonal honeycomb and the re-entrant honeycomb to enhance the mechanical properties.All samples are fabricated by Fused filament fabrication method using ABS raw material. Samples were subjected to quasi-static uniaxial compression test in out-of-plane loading direction and a numerical model was developed. The stress-strain plots, energy absorption ability and deformation modes were discussed. The study revealed that the gradient material distribution influenced the improvement in the specific energy absorption of the structures. Further, the specific energy absorption of the hybrid structure (HASr 21 J/g) is improved by 61% than the re-entrant auxetic structure (AS 13 J/g) with nearly the same relative density. This helps in using these structures in potential applications requiring the energy absorption during impact loads.
Synthesis of Metal-Free Benzimidazole-Based Catalysts and its Application in CO2 Cycloaddition
Authors: Lin Li , Yang Huigui , Li Shuangjiang , Liu Yi , Zhi Yunfei , Shan Shaoyun , Xu Juan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Ionic polymers functionalized with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups can enhance the catalytic activity of catalysts. However, the straightforward preparation of bifunctional ionic polymers containing abundant ionic active sites and hydrogen bond donors remains challenging. In this study, a series of porous ionic polymers (BZIs) containing different hydrogen bond donors (-NH2, -OH, -COOH) were prepared through a simple one-pot Friedel-Crafts alkylation using benzimidazole derivatives and benzyl bromide. The structures and properties of BZIs were characterized by various techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. Among the prepared catalysts (BZI-NH2, BZI-OH, and BZI-COOH), BZI-NH2 exhibited the highest catalytic activity and recyclability, achieving a yield of 97% in the CO2 cycloaddition. The synergistic effect of Br−, hydrogen bond donors (-NH-, -NH2), and N+ in BZI-NH2 was found to contribute to its superior catalytic performance. DFT calculations were employed to study the effect of hydrogen bonds, Br−, and N+ in BZI-NH2 and BZI-OH on the CO2 cycloaddition. Using BZI-NH2 as an example, a mechanism was proposed for the synergistic effect between amino groups and bromide ions in catalyzing the CO2 cycloaddition reaction.
Detection of carbapenemases activity in MDR isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae by mCIM method and carbapenem resistance genes blaVIM, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaKPC-2 and blaOXA-48
Authors: Mohammadpour Darya , Memar Mohammad Yousef , Kafil Hossein Samadi , Hasani Alka , Rezaee Mohammad Ahangarzadeh , Ghotaslou Anahita , Leylabadlo Hamed Ebrahimzadeh , Nabizadeh Edris , Kadkhoda Hiva , Ghotaslou Reza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a Gram-negative, opportunistic bacterium that can cause a variety of infections. Antibiotics such as cephalosporins are usually used to treat K. pneumoniae infections. However, resistance of this bacterium to cephalosporins has been reported. For this reason, alternative antibiotics such as carbapenems are used as the last line of treatment for K. pneumoniae. This bacterium becomes resistant to carbapenems by various mechanisms, including enzymatic hydrolysis of carbapenems by producing carbapenemase enzymes (blaVIM, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaKPC−2 and blaOXA−48 genes produce the hydrolysis enzyme). The present study aims to investigate the prevalence rate of MDR K. pneumoniae and the evaluation of resistant isolates to carbapenem was done using phenotypic and genotypic methods. In the present study, 205 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from patients admitted to the Hospitals of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from November 2022 to April 2023. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined by disc diffusion method and resistance genes of blaVIM, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaKPC−2 and blaOXA−48 were detected by PCR method. Out of 205 samples collected from K. pneumoniae isolates, 100 samples were multidrug resistant (MDR). Of the 100 MDR K. pneumoniae isolates, 80 samples (%80) were resistant to carbapenems by mCIM method. The frequencies of the blaOXA, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM and blaKPC−2 genes were 52 (65%), 23(28.7%), 12 (15%), 8 (10%) and 5 (6.25%), respectively. Antimicrobial resistance was common and worrying, and rapid and accurate detection of MDR K. pneumoniae isolates can help in the management of patients with K. pneumoniae infections and reduce mortality. Rapid detection of MDR K. pneumoniae can also prevent the spread of resistant isolates.
A Global Correlation between Galaxy Density and Intergalactic HI Gas at z∼4 from Imaging Data
Authors: Uchiyama Hisakazu , Matsuoka Yoshiki , Nagao Tohru , Kashikawa Nobunari , Kurasawa Hina , Toshikawa Jun , Oogi Taira , Umehata Hideki , Kubo Mariko , Toba Yoshiki , Ito Kei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Galaxies formed from collapsing clouds of gas and dust, primarily sourced from intergalactic medium (IGM). Thus, achieving a comprehensive understanding the relationship between galaxies and IGM in the early universe (z>3) is crucial for cosmic structure formation, yet remains largely unexplored. We are the first to employ a novel photometric approach based on wide-area data over ~100 square degrees to study the global relationship between IGM HI gas and galaxy density at z~4. We find a significant positive correlation between the galaxy densities and the HI optical depth measured from the colors of background quasars at z~5. In the >4σ galaxy high-density region, the average optical depth is found to be 0.94±0.07, which is 1.2 times larger than the average. The result suggests that IGM HI gas accumulates in the potential well of such high-density regions at this epoch, supported by recent hydrodynamical simulations.
A Case Report of Successful Treatment of a Patient with Anomalous Origin Coronary Artery Suffered from Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Huang Wei , Chen Zhinan , Zhang Huagang , Fu Wenbo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A 63-year-old male patient diagnosed as “Acute myocardial infarction" while emergent Coronary angiography showed that the mid-to-distal segment of the circumflex branch was occluded. Unexpectedly, the left coronary artery was originated from the right sinus of Valsalva (ALCA-R). Successful PTCA recover blood flow of the occluded circumflex branch without MACE occurred.
Centromere Positioning Orchestrates Telomere Bouquet Formation and the Initiation of Meiotic Differentiation
Authors: Jiménez-Martín Alberto , Pineda-Santaella Alberto , Martín-García Rebeca , León-Periñán Daniel , Terrizzano Antonia , Daga Rafael , Braun Sigurd , Fernández-Álvarez Alfonso 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Accurate gametogenesis requires the establishment of the telomere bouquet, an evolutionarily conserved, 3D chromosomal arrangement. In this spatial configuration, telomeres temporarily aggregate at the nuclear envelope during meiotic prophase, which facilitates chromosome pairing and recombination. The mechanisms governing the assembly of the telomere bouquet remain largely unexplored, primarily due to the challenges in visualizing and manipulating the bouquet. Here, using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system to elucidate telomere bouquet function, we reveal that centromeres, traditionally perceived as playing a passive role in the chromosomal reorganization necessary for bouquet assembly, play a key role in the initiation of telomere bouquet formation. We demonstrate that centromeres are capable to induce telomere mobilization, which is sufficient to trigger the first stages of bouquet assembly and the meiotic transcription program in mitotic cells. This discovery highlights the finely tuned control exerted over long-distance heterochromatic regions and underscores a pivotal step in the mechanism of eukaryotic telomere bouquet formation and meiotic transcriptional rewiring.
CCR2+TREM-1+ monocytes promote Natural killer T cell dysfunction contributing towards HBV disease progression
Authors: Wu xiaojuan , Zhao Wenling , Miao Qiang , Shi Shiya , Wei Bin , Luo Limei , Cai Bei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are amongst the most important innate immune cells against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Moreover, previous studies have shown that HBV infection induced TREM-1 + expression in monocyte and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, this prompted us to elucidate the role of TREM-1 + monocytes in regulating the function of NKT cells. Ninety patients and 20 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. The percentage and phenotype of iNKT cells and TREM-1 + monocytes were measured in the peripheral blood of healthy controls (HC), patients with chronic HBV infection (CHB), HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC), and HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) via flow cytometry. Moreover, co-culture experiments with NKT cells and TREM-1 overexpressing THP-1 cells were performed to determine the role of TREM-1 in regulation of NKT cell function. We observed that the percentage of NKT cells and CD4-NKT cells gradually decreased, whereas percentage of CCR2 + TREM-1 + monocytes increased with the progression of the disease. In addition, activation of the TREM-1 signaling pathway induced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines leading to pyroptosis of NKT cells and secretion of IL-17 contributing towards disease progression. Therefore, this study suggests that blocking the activation of TREM-1 in monocytes could promote the elimination of HBV by inhibiting pyroptosis of NKT cells and restoring their function. However, further studies are required to validate these results that would help in developing new treatment strategies for patients with HBV infections.
Early Prediction of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Development in patients with diverse chronic liver diseases
Authors: Shen Yuqiang , Xu Wan , Chen Yang , Wen Shengfen , Chen Qijiong , Liu Shanna , Zhu Xinjian , Li Li , Ju Bin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background & aims: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome characterized by the acute decompensation of chronic liver disease, leading to organ failures and high short-term mortality. The course of ACLF is dynamic and reversible in a considerable proportion of patients during hospital admission. Early detection and accurate assessment of ACLF are crucial, yet ideal methods remain lacking. Therefore, this study is aimed to develop a new score for predicting the onset of ACLF in patients with diverse chronic liver diseases.
Methods: A total of 6188 patients with diverse chronic liver diseases were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and the occurrence of ACLF within 28 days was recorded. Lasso-cox regression was utilized to establish prediction models for the development of ACLF at 7, 14, and 28 days.
Findings: Among 5221 patients without ACLF, 477 patients progressed to ACLF within 28 days. Seven predictors were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of ACLF at 7, 14, and 28 days. The new score had the best discrimination with the c-index of 0.958, 0.944, and 0.938 at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively, outperforming those of four other scores(CLIF-C-ACLF-Ds, MELD, MELD-Na, and CLIF-C-ADs score, all P<0 .001). The new score also showed improvements in predictive accuracy, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics, probability density function evaluation, and calibration curves, making it highly predictive for the onset of ACLF at all time points. The optimal cut-off value (9.6) differentiated high and low-risk patients of ACLF onset. These findings were further validated in a separate group of patients.
Conclusion: A new progressive score, based on seven predictors, has been developed to accurately predict the occurrence of ACLF within 7, 14, and 28 days in patients with diverse chronic liver diseases and might be used to identify high-risk patients, customize follow-up management, and guide escalation of care, prognostication, and transplant evaluation.
Foliar spraying of plant growth regulators can alleviate high-temperature stress in late-sown spring potatoes to improve yield and quality
Authors: Wu Chao , Huang Wensen , Fang Xiaoting , Ma Haiyan , Song Wenwen , Zhang Kaiqin , Ren Zhitong , Shahzad Muhammad Amir , Dolker Dawa , Yang Cuiqin , Zheng Shunlin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In practice, late sowing of spring potatoes is commonly adopted to bridge crop rotation and mitigate natural disasters, inadvertently facilitating high-temperature conditions during the latter growth phase, leading to diminished tuber yield and quality. To avert these setbacks, this experiment explored the influence foliar applications of plant growth regulators like Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DTA-6), Uniconazole (S3307), Abscisic acid (S-ABA), and Salicylic acid (SA) on Zhongshu Zao 45 (ZZ45), a late-sowing tolerant variety, and Yunshu 902 (Y902), a sensitive variety. The findings indicated that spraying growth regulators can effectively upgrade the agronomic attributes of late-sown spring potatoes: They curbed the above-ground part of growth, boosted the root-top ratio, promoted dry matter accumulation in the below-ground part, and regulated leaf area index. Physiologically, they increased leaf SPAD value and net photosynthetic rate, reduced MDA and proline content, ultimately increasing yield and improving quality. In the case of the late sowing tolerant variety Zhongshu Zao45 and sensitive variety Yunshu902, S-ABA and S3307 respectively produced the most effective results. A further investigation discovered that S-ABA and S3307 both pitch in endogenous hormone regulation, augmenting antioxidant enzyme activity to bolster plant resilience and alleviate adversity stress from late-sown high temperatures. By selecting appropriate growth regulators for different varieties, it is possible to achieve stable yield and improved quality for late-sown spring potatoes. This study furnishes theoretical insights into the field production of late-sown potatoes.
Identifying the Scope, Relevance and Integration Challenges for Mid-Level Health Providers in India: Perspectives on Advancing Primary Care
Authors: Ugargol Allen Prabhaker , Saikia Bikashita 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In line with the demographic and epidemiological transition and persisting health disparities, the need for accessible primary health care and access to medical facilities is becoming more relevant than ever today. This demand and deficit is acutely observed in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) that harbour a larger proportion of the world’s population and entail a wider disparity in their healthcare access and primary care delivery. One of the modes to overcome this primary care deficit is potentially bridged through community-appropriate staffing, task sharing and augmenting primary care through the introduction of mid-level health providers (MLHPs) now known as the Community Health Officer (CHO). India depicts a very skewed urban-rural distribution of healthcare professionals due to the lack of a supportive rural public health ecosystem coupled with disinterest and lack of motivation among healthcare workers to serve in the rural areas. This has adversely impacted primary healthcare delivery in the rural and tribal pockets of India. It is in this realm that we attempt to provide perspective to the emergence of the Community Health Officer (CHO), the scope they offer and the significance of integrating MLHPs into the public health system in India.