bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic and heavy metal resistant endophytes inhabit Armeria maritima hyperaccumulator
Authors: Goryluk-Salmonowicz Agata Diana , Myczka Anna , Popowska Magdalena 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background and AimsThe occurrence of heavy metal-resistant bacteria in plants and their role in phytoremediation intensification has been quite well recognized in the last few years. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of information on antibiotic resistance profile of those bacteria. In this study, for the first time endophytic bacteria has been isolated from green parts ofArmeria maritimasp. halleri plant growing on mine-tailing soil in the southern Poland. The resistance profile of bacteria was researched.MethodsBacteria were isolated from internal tissues ofArmeria maritimaplant and characterized: MIC was determined by the plate dilution method using (CH3COO)2Pb and ZnSO4supplemented medium; antibiotic susceptibility test was determined by disk diffusion method according to the EUCAST version 11.0; the whole genome sequencing was performed on MiSeq platform (Illumina). Physicochemical properties of soil were evaluated according to European Standards.ResultsFivePseudomonassp. strains exhibiting high tolerance to heavy metals were resistant to antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, ß-lactam antibiotics, fosfomycines fluorochinolones, macrolides and glycopeptides. Draft genome sequences analysis estimated genome sizes in a range from 6,182,403bp to 7,401,235bp and a G + C content from 60.0–61.0%. 12 and 11 genes conferring resistance heavy metals and antibiotics were identified, respectively.ConclusionArmeria maritimasubsp. halleri is inhabited by resistant to heavy metals and antibiotic endophytic bacteria identified asPseudomonasspecies. Under the One Health concept the contamination of soil and plants with ARB and ARGs should be monitored and limited and a regulatory framework for safety use of bacterial bioinoculants should be established.
Post-operative anterior diaphragmatic hernias in children with Trisomy 21 after cardiac surgery
Authors: Zugayar Diaa , Berkovits Reuven , Tenenbaum Ariel , Erez Eldad , Arbell Dan , Koplewitz Benjamin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Purpose: Morgagni hernias account for less than 5% of congenital diaphragmatic hernias. They are characteristically retrosternal and bilateral, with right-sided predominance. An association between Trisomy 21 and diaphragmatic hernias resembling Morgagni hernia has been reported, but the effect of cardiac surgery on its formation has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a higher incidence of anterior diaphragmatic hernias in children with Trisomy 21 after cardiac surgery.
Methods: We compared the prevalence of anterior diaphragmatic hernias in 92 patients with Trisomy 21 who underwent cardiac surgery with its prevalence in two control groups - children without Trisomy 21 who underwent cardiac surgery, and children with Trisomy 21 who did not undergo cardiac surgery, 100 patients in each. All available CXRs of all children underwent revision for the presence of an anterior diaphragmatic hernia by a pediatric radiologist.
Results: Within the study group, four cases of an anterior diaphragmatic hernia were detected, all upon presentation to the emergency room due to breathing difficulties. No cases of an anterior diaphragmatic hernia were found in the two control groups (P = 0.0094)
Conclusions: A high index of suspicion for an anterior diaphragmatic hernia should be maintained in children with Trisomy 21 who have undergone cardiac surgery and present with breathing difficulty. If CXR findings are uncertain, UGI series and\or CT should be performed. In light of our findings, the surgical technique has been modified in patients with DS in our medical center.
Pretreatment anemia and low skeletal muscle index as predictors of poor prognostic in cervical cancer patients
Authors: Resende Leandro Santos Araujo , Amorim Francine Vilela , Conceição Miguel Soares , Jales Rodrigo Menezes , Pereira Patrick Nunes , Sarian Luis Otávio , Baiocchi Glauco , Derchain Sophie , Filho Agnaldo Lopes Silva 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Locally advanced cervical cancer (CC) is mostly treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The amount of local extension of the disease and lymph-node invasion are the most important factors related to a worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Moreover, recently, anemia and skeletal muscle index (SMI) appears as important predictors of clinical outcomes in patients with cancer, demonstrating the association of low haemoglobin level and SMI with worse PFS and OS. However, there is no consensus about the clinical impact of pretreatment anemia and low SMI in women with CC.Objective To evaluate pretreatment level of haemoglobin and SMI as a prognostic factors in women diagnosed with CC that CCRT.Methods 151 women diagnosed with CC were included in this cohort study with retrospective data collection. Pretreatment computerized tomography (CT) images were analysed to assess SMI. Hazard ratios (HR) and multivariate Cox proportional HR with (95%CI) were used to analyse the association between low SMI, age, menstrual state, body mass index (BMI), haemoglobin levels, neutrophil and platelet count, histological type, and FIGO stage with PFS and OS. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyse the survival of patients with or without low SMI according to stages.Results Among the 151 patients included, 53 (35.1%) presented pretreatment low SMI. Linear regression models showed that despite showing no association with age, neutrophil or platelet counts, low SMI was associated with low pretreatment haemoglobin levels (p = 0.01). After a multivariate analysis, only haemoglobin and complete CCRT remained associated with DFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001). Low SMI was significantly associated with worse PFS and OS in FIGO stage I/II.Conclusion Pretreatment low level of haemoglobin was significantly associated with low SMI. However, only anemia and incomplete CCRT were independently associated with poor prognosis in women with CC. Pretreatment low SMI was a predictor of poor prognostic in early stages.
Secure and manipulation-proof TLS communication with Plug and Charge
Authors: Kilic Ahmet 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
PnC according to ISO 15118 enables most secure charging session and highest comfort for user and secure and manipulation-proof communication between electric vehicle and charging station. This secure communication is ensured by encrypted communication channel and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms using PKI. The encrypted communication channel between EV and EVSE must be ensured by using Transport Layer Security (TLS) according to ISO 15118. To realize V2G communication between EV and EVSE, first line certificates between EV and EVSE must be validated and verified. Due to new standard for TLS and due to new PKIs the requirements for TLS are significantly changed. With this work all requirements for TLS are collected, evaluated and solution concepts for secure realization of TLS function are derived. Here new concepts and solutions for secure TLS are developed, which are based on Cross Certificate Sign and on use of the network solutions within the PnC Ecosystem. These solutions are validated and verified in a testbench, and it is ensured that secure TLS function is also possible without Interoperable PKIs. So, a user can establish a secure TLS function at the charging station.
Is robotic-assisted surgery a better choice in vaginectomy of complicated vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions than conventional laparoscopic surgery?
Authors: Liu Yana , Mao Meng , Bai Jing , Cai Mingbo , Wang Qian , Fu Hanlin , Zhao Mengling , Wang Chunfang , Si Lulu , Guo Ruixia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic vaginectomy (RALV) and conventional laparoscopic vaginectomy (CLV) for patients with complicated vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Therefore, an analysis of one hundred and nine patients with complicated vaginal HSIL (32 patients in the RALV group and 77 patients in the CLV group) who underwent minimally invasive vaginectomy was conducted retrospectively. Compared with the CLV group, patients in the RALV group demonstrated less estimated blood loss, a lower rate of intraoperative complications and shorter durations of paralytic ileus time, urinary catheter indwelling time and postoperative hospitalization time (all P < 0.05). However, the RALV group had significantly higher hospital costs than the CLV group (P < 0.05). The total operative time, postoperative complications, positive surgical margins, pathology upgrading or treatment outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Our results demonstrated that both RALV and CLV can achieve satisfactory treatment outcomes, while RALV has the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, fewer intraoperative complications and faster postoperative recovery. RALV has the potential to become a better choice for vaginectomy without regard to the burden of hospital costs.
Inhibition of sexual maturation inhibition using exemestane and tamoxifen in female olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceous)
Authors: Kim Ki-hyuk , Moon Hye-na , Yeo In-kyu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Sex determination in some reptiles, amphibians, and fishes is influenced by environmental factors.
Exemestane acts as an estrogen agonist non-steroid hormone. Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceous) is easily affected by water temperature or sex steroid hormone treatment during sex determination.
Tamoxifen is a steroid hormone, which is widely used as a drug in human cancer therapy as an anti-estrogen agent (estrogen receptor antagonist). In this study, we intraperitoneally injected exemestane and tamoxifen, a pre-maturation sex hormone inhibitor, into the bodies of female olive flounder. The expression of estrogen receptor mRNA and vitellogenin mRNA in the liver were almost the same in both cases. For exemestane injection, the histological observation of intersex was confirmed at day-5. Although these results suggest the possibility of the synthesis of estrogen by tamoxifen, the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully investigated. Hence, examinations are needed to confirm the direct involvement of tamoxifen.
WITHDRAWN: Efficacy of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma on Morphea: A Comparative Clinical and Ultrasonographic Follow-up Study
Authors: Makki Mahmoud Abdel Sabour , Moshrif Abdelhfeez , Mansour Mofreh , Elnaquip Esraa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Despite different modalities for morphea therapy used; it still has a great challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma injection once weekly for 12 sessions to restore skin disfigurement (dyspigmentation, skin atrophy, and adnexal destruction) in nine patients (21 lesions) with a mean duration of 5.96 ± 2.4 years. The disease severity and damage were evaluated by the Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSCAT) score; the skin layer thickness and Echogenicity were evaluated by musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline, 3- month, and 6 months intervals. The LoSCAT score showed a significant improvement with the mean reduction from 13 ± 7.3 to 7.33 ± 6.8 at the end of 3rd month and to 6.44 ± 7.1 at the end of 6th month (p = 0.008 and 0.014) respectively, additionally, the ultrasound showed an increase in the thickness of skin layers from baseline to be nearly equal to normal control (p < 0.001), with transient adverse effects. The present study indicates that PRP is a good tool for the improvement of morphea lesions with a great aesthetic outcome.
Linking farmers' tree species priority with planting niche accelerates scaling up of homestead agroforestry in semi- arid Ethiopia
Authors: Gebretsadik Wondwossen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Agroforestry improves food security and smallholder livelihoods through provision of multiple products from limited land while ensuring sustainable land use system. Locally adaptable agroforestry practices and technologies identified by farmer- led approaches are key for wide spread adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable land use at a landscape level. Studies disclosed that farmers in the rift valley regions of Ethiopia require far more tree diversity on their lands than they already have. This is an indication that there is a need for systematic testing through participatory homestead trials, of a wide range of tree species preferred by farmers across a range of contexts to promote tree diversity and bring large scale impacts in adoption of agroforestry technologies. This paper presents the study findings on management, survival, and growth of farmer managed fruit tree seedlings at homesteads. Participatory trials were established at farmers' homesteads with fruit trees that were prioritized by farmers in the semi-arid Ethiopia. The trial sites were farmers’ homesteads in East shoa zone (Adamitulu woreda -Ziway, Dugda bora woreda-Meki and Lome woreda- Mojo). Higher survival of improved Papaya -Carica papaya seedlings was found at Lome as compared- to that of Dugda and Adamitulu at seven months after planting. The survival of Avocado- Persea americana was the highest at Lome site. Beating up was carried out at the end of first year and analysis of data two years later revealed significant differences (a=0.05) in survivals of fruit trees across study sites. Height growth and crown width of farmer managed fruit trees also revealed significant differences (a=0.05) across study sites at two years. Watering frequencies of seedlings were found to vary greatly across study sites. On average farmers in different sites watered their seedlings bi-weekly. At Dugda site 77% of participant farmers watered their seedlings daily and provided a comparatively better care to seedlings resulting in a remarkable performance of Avocado. Though factors constraining seedling growth and survival at homesteads in the semi arid are diverse, it is highly recommended to link species priority and local knowledge with planting niches to win the willingness of farmers to plant trees and contribute to the success of homestead agroforestry.
Bereavement counsellors’ experiences supporting the families of deceased children within a German bereavement network and their perceptions of the network organisation – A qualitative interview study
Authors: Betke Merle , Stiel Stephanie , Schwabe Sven 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background When children are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, commit suicide or die in an accident, their families often experience severe grief. Since January 2021, the “Bereavement Network Lower Saxony” (BNLS) project has provided professional bereavement support from trained bereavement counsellors to families grieving either a child who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or a child who has died. The present study aimed at exploring the experiences of BNLS bereavement counsellors in providing bereavement support to affected families and their perceptions of the BNLS organisation.Methods Within the context of the BNLS evaluation, 12 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with bereavement counsellors between June and August 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring.Results Bereavement counsellors perceived that grief could be experienced very differently, and thus bereavement support must always be based on the individual needs and resources of bereaved family members. They also noted that professional support may prevent family members from developing (mental) illness. Most counsellors considered their emotional detachment from the topics and experiences discussed within meetings an important component of their professional support and a point of differentiation from voluntary support. They appreciated exchange with other counsellors and supervision within the BNLS to cope with emotional stress. They believed that BNLS's public outreach should improve.Conclusions Bereavement counsellors perceived professional bereavement support as a core component of the care they provided to family members grieving for deceased children, and a preventive factor for the development of (mental) illness among these family members. Bereavement support within a network structure may improve the accessibility of individual support and enable exchange between counsellors, thus ensuring better bereavement support. Public outreach and strategic partnerships with clinics may amplify the positive impact of this support service.
Investigation of Physical, Mechanical, Tribological and Biodegradable Properties of Hybrid Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite
Authors: Ravi Pravesh , Balaji MA Sai , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study has investigated the effect of natural fibres such as kenaf, coconut, and jute and their combination as reinforced in an epoxy polymer matrix (NFRP) on mechanical properties (impact, flexural, tensile strength, and hardness), thermal stability, tribological properties, and biodegradability. The raw fibres were chemically treated with 3% NaOH for 24 hrs, and 10 wt.% was blended in the epoxy matrix. Further, a composite surface Morphology and fibre dispersion were analysed using a scanning electron microscope. An improvement of 30.39%, 1157.7%, and 30.98% in impact strength, hardness and tensile strength, respectively, compared to pure epoxy composite. Further, the tribological study has shown a lesser frictional coefficient (~ 0.275) in hybrid NFRP than in other composites. Moreover, the mixed NFRP has demonstrated excellent biodegradable properties compared to other NFRP and pure composites.
PLS Regression Trees for Multivariate Response Data with Multi-collinear Predictors
Authors: Yu WenXing , Lee ShinJae , Cho HyungJun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Some problems arise in analyzing massive complex data consisting of multivariate response variables and a large number of multi-collinear predictor variables, especially when the sample sizes compared to the number of predictors are small. Rather than ordinary linear regression modeling approaches, latent variable regression modeling approaches such as partial least squares regression can be used to capture the relationship between the response and predictor variables for such cases. However, for complex nonlinear relationships between the predictor and the response variable, the performance of inference and prediction using regression modeling approaches can be deflated. Regression trees can capture such complex relationships. Thus, we develop a partial least squares tree modeling algorithm that detects complex relationships and makes precise predictions by integrating the merits of partial least squares and regression trees. It is shown that it has better predictive performance than other methods through simulation and it is demonstrated that it generates interpretable predictive models with real data.
A comparison between the VGG16, VGG19 and ResNet50 architecture frameworks for classification of normal and CLAHE processed medical images
Authors: Kamal Kamal , EZ-ZAHRAOUY Hamid 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we chose to focus our study on finding the right convex neural network model specifically for the binary classification task for normal contrast medical image type and enhanced by CLAHE technique. We made a comparison of the architectures of VGG16, VGG19 and Resnet50 in terms of their accuracy, F1 score and Recall for a set of selected brain images of normal and CLAHE enhanced contrast cases. After running 10 experiments in two modes: with and without Data augmentation while keeping the same parameters of the simulations, we came to the conclusion that VGG16 obviously presents the best architecture for medical image classification, the results in the light of Data augmentation mode, the use case the normal contrast images, the three models provided the accuracies 0.78, 0.66 and 0.69 respectively for VGG16, VGG19 and Resnet50, and for the use case the contrast images enhanced by the CLAHE technique, the accuracies being 0,78, 0.76 and 0.72 respectively for VGG16, VGG19 and Resnet50. For the no Data augmentation mode, the use case normal contrast images, the three models provided the accuracies 0.88, 0.79 and 0.75 respectively for VGG16, VGG19 and Resnet50, and for the use case CLAHE-enhanced contrast images, the accuracies being 0.86, 0.87 et 0.65 respectively for VGG16, VGG19 and Resnet50.
Evaluation of patient preferences for treatments to prevent preterm births in singleton and twin pregnancies with a short cervix.
Authors: Perrusi Sabrina de Andrade Fernandes Collier , Brizot Maria de Lourdes , Garavazzo Sckarlet Ernandes Biancolin , Pucci Camila Luiza Meira , Gomez Ursula Trovato , Peres Stela Verzinhasse , Marinelli Juliana Valente Codato , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , de Carvalho Mario Henrique Burlacchini 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background Prematurity is the primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite some treatment methods, the preferences and concerns of women regarding the prevention of premature births have not yet been elucidated. Thus, this study analyzed singleton and twin pregnancies with an increased risk of prematurity to evaluate patient preferences for treatment and the factors that may influence such preferences.Methods Self-administered questionnaires in Portuguese were administered to pregnant women to collect data about their knowledge and concerns regarding prematurity and treatment methods( pessary, progesterone ovules and combination of a pessary and progesterone )as well as their preferred methods. Questionnaires were also used to assess the anxiety and quality of life of the participants. The chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, and Linear-by-Linear association tests were used to compare qualitative independent variables and qualitative outcomes. The Student’s t-test and ANOVA were used to compare the quantitative independent variables and qualitative outcomes. The Mann–Whitney or Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for non-parametric data.Results The study included 123 pregnant women with a short cervix (twin pregnancies, n = 61; singleton pregnancies, n = 62) from May 2009 to January 2022. As for their preferences, women with singleton pregnancies preferred to use a pessary (53.2%), but with no significant difference (P = 0.703) compared to progesterone (46.8%). Women with twin pregnancies preferred the combination of a pessary and progesterone (P + P) (60.7%), followed by ovules (26.2%) and a pessary (8%), with a significant difference in this choice (P < 0.001). Previous knowledge of the pessary by pregnant women with twins resulted in a significantly higher preference for the use of the pessary alone compared to P + P (37.5% vs. 5.7%; P = 0.04), and no patients chose ovules.Conclusion The higher risk of prematurity in twin pregnancies and the lack of studies showing effective treatments for twin pregnancies may have contributed to the higher preference for the combined use of P + P. Women with singleton pregnancies showed no preference between the methods. This may be due to the fact that use of pessary and progesterone have already been proven to be effective in singleton pregnancies.