bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical Stability and Additive Leach Out in Polyethersulfone Membranes Blended with Dragon Blood Resin: An Investigative Study
Authors: Mulyati Sri , Ambarita Aulia Chintia , Arahman Nasrul , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Gül Bahar Yavuztürk , Korkut Sevde , Koyuncu İsmail 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Dragon blood resin (DBR) is an effective bio-based additive for polymeric membrane fabrication. Despite the improved permeability and antifouling properties of the resulting membrane provided by DBR, its weak chemical bond makes it susceptibleto leaching during both fabrication and operation rendering the membrane properties and performances. This study investigates the chemical stability and leaching behavior of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes modified with DBR in an alkaline solution. The study involves immersing two types of PES based membranes, one loaded with 3% DBR (M-3) during the fabrication and one without (M-0), in a 0.01 N NaOH solution for five days. The results show that M-0 had good resistance to high alkaline solution, while M-3 was less stable. The pure water permeability of M-3 increased significantly with immersion time, as well as its surface hydrophilicity. The leaching of DBR from PES membrane matric can be ascribed by its alkali lysis polarity and the breaking of the DBR bonds from reaction of hydroxide ions with the ester bonds and glycosidic linkages in the flavonoids and anthocyanins, causing them to break apart into smaller molecules. The leaching of DBR also left pores that enhanced the membrane pore size. Overall, these findings provide useful information for the optimal design of a bio-based PES membrane.
A one-dimensional mixed model genome scan approach for detecting QTL-by-genetic-background interactions in diallel and nested association mapping designs
Authors: Li Wenhao , Boer Martin P. , Joosen Ronny V.L. , Zheng Chaozhi , Eeuwijk Fred van 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
QTLs in multi-parent population (MPP) designs can be modelled as having parent-specific or family-specific allelic effects. QTLs with family-specific allelic effects point to epistatic interactions. We present a one-dimensional genome scan approach by mixed models using design matrices based on IBD probabilities to identify parent-specific and family-specific QTLs. We fit both parent- and family-specific QTLs along a genomic grid of evaluation points and use an information criterion to decide on the nature of significant QTLs. This combined QTL detection procedure for parent- and family-specific jointly is more powerful than an existing approach testing for parent-specific QTLs only. We demonstrate the properties and application of our approach on simulated and real data.
Infected Calcium Oxalate Stone Leading to Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis and Bilateral Lower Limb Weakness: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Cheng-Yang , Tseng Chi-Shin , Lee Yuan-Ju 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background It is rare for calcium oxalate renal stone, presented mainly in clean and sterile urine, to result in urinary tract infection. Nevertheless, the stone-related infection could further develop thoracic spondylodiscitis and epidural abscesses, causing neurological deficits, including muscle weakness and paresthesia. Although few cases of urinary tract infection and spondylodiscitis were reported, there are no reports about calcium oxalate partial staghorn stone and spondylodiscitis in the literature.Case presentation: A 62-year-old male suffered from gross hematuria, intermittent fever, and left flank pain. He came to the urology outpatient department, where acute pyelonephritis was diagnosed, and a left partial staghorn renal stone was seen on CT. Oral antibiotics were prescribed with improvement, and surgical intervention was suggested. Two weeks after antibiotics treatment, he developed acute onset bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness under the nipple level. He was brought to the emergency department, where leukocytosis and pyuria were shown, and the spine MRI revealed T2-T3 spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess and spinal cord compression. He underwent T2-T3 laminoplasty/pediculectomy/facetectomy and discectomy, with improvement in muscle power and hypesthesia. The culture of the surgical lesion yielded Citrobacter koseri, the same as the urine culture obtained at his first visit. Left-side percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed one month after cefmetazole administration, with successful stone removal and resolution of pyuria. Stone analyses reported the composition of calcium oxalate. Follow-up MRI showed marked improvement with resolution of spinal stenosis and epidural abscess. The patient was discharged, and follow-up urine analyses showed negative pyuria.Conclusions Urinary tract infection resulting from partial staghorn stone, with additional hematogenous spread to CNS causing spondylodiscitis, is scarcely discussed. The case we illustrated was that a calcium oxalate stone, which belongs to Jensen’s classification type 1, should be present in clean and sterile urine. However, a urinary tract infection could be seen in urine stasis or urinary tract obstruction. Citrobacter koseri-related UTI and spondylodiscitis have been described, with few case reports. With accurate diagnosis and essential surgical interventions, the patient had immediate neurological improvement and reached disease-free status.
Inequality in Urban Amenities
Authors: Michelangeli Alessandra , Östh John , Toger Marina , Turk Umut 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of urban inequality in the Stockholm Metropolitan Area analyzing the spatial distribution of amenities and their accessibility. Inequality in urban amenities is measured by a multidimensional index that can be decomposed into the sum of inequality indices computed on the marginal distributions of amenities across locations plus a residual term accounting for their joint distribution. Our research leverages a unique dataset that combines income data for approximately 200,000 geocoded individuals residing in the metropolitan area with information from the OpenStreetMap platform, enabling us to examine the distribution of both natural and urban design-related amenities. Furthermore, we integrate data from online platforms to analyze the housing market, merging it with geocoded information. Our findings reveal moderate levels of inequality in amenities within the Stockholm Metropolitan Area, with social segregation emerging as the primary driver of this inequality.
JEL codes: D63; O18; R12; R23
PTC Remodeling in Pre50S Intermediates: Insights into the Role of DEAD-box RNA Helicase DbpA
Authors: Yu Ting , Jiang Junyi , Yu Qiangxi , Li Xin , Zeng Fuxing 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis is a complex and fundamental multi-step process in vivo, requiring numerous assembly factors to facilitate and regulate the subunit assembly. The Escherichia coli DEAD-box RNA helicase, DbpA, is known to promote the assembly of the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) during 50S subunit maturation, specifically through the binding of the H92 hairpin in 23S rRNA. In this study, we employed cryoelectron microscope to characterize a series of pre50S snapshots isolated from an E.coli strain overexpressing a DbpA(R331A) mutant in the background of depleting dbpA gene. Our structural analysis defined a collection of late-stage particles along a progressive assembly pathway, revealing intermediates that were immature in the PTC, with domain V undergoing large conformational changes and progressive folding. In the pre50S intermediates, we observed mismatched base-pairings in H73-H74, which define the possible unwinding substrate of DbpA. Furthermore, the structures identified RsfS and YjgA as participating in 50S maturation with DbpA, and label-free quantitive mass spectrum revealed the involvement of multiple assembly factors and rRNA modification enzymes in these intermediates. In summary, our study provides mechanistic insights into how the DbpA, in concert with other assembly factors, facilitates the maturation of the 50S subunit in prokaryotes.
Residue monitoring and dietary risk evaluation of fungicide propiconazole in leafy vegetables under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Abdulkareem Lawal , Kwak Se-Yeon , Lee Sang-Hyeob , Choi Jae-Won , Oh Ji-Eun , Sarker Aniruddha , Kyung Kee Sung , Kim Tae Hwa , Kim Jang-Eok 
Published: June 2023

AbstractResidue monitoring of propiconazole (PCZ) in three leafy vegetables (cabbage, shallot, and spinach) was conducted under multitrial greenhouse conditions. The key objective of this study was to understand the fate of the applied fungicide in these vegetables. In addition, the associated health risk of PCZ in leafy vegetables was assessed through dietary risk assessment. Commercial grade propiconazole (22% suspension concentrate) was administered thrice based on the OECD fungicide application interval guideline. The plant samples were extracted using a slightly modified QuEChERS technique and analyzed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The average propiconazole recovery was between 84.5 % and 117.6 %, with a coefficient of variance of <5%. The dissipation of PCZ residue in cabbage, shallot, and spinach after 14 days was 96%, 90%, and 99% respectively, with half-lives of <5 days. Meanwhile, dietary risk assessments using the risk quotient (RQ) of PCZ residues in the studied vegetables were significantly <100 (RQ < 100). Thus, the population groups considered in this study were not at a substantial risk from consuming leafy vegetables sprayed with propiconazole in accordance with critical good agricultural practices.
Epidemiological characteristics of 13,313 emergency room patients with trauma from 2013 to 2021: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Lin Qi , Dong Fanghui , Shao Xiaoping , Yang Yang , Hu Sanlian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological characteristics of patients with trauma in the emergency room and provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of trauma.
Methods
Data on patients with trauma admitted to the emergency room between January 2013 and December 2021, including sex, age, visit time, consciousness, blood pressure, heart rate, detention, patient outcome, and prognosis, were retrospectively analysed.
Results
A total of 13,313 patients were admitted to the emergency room, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.51:1. Most patients were young and middle-aged, with 8518 patients, accounting for 63.98%. The monthly peak number of patients admitted to the emergency room occurred in July, September, and October, and the peak time was 11:00–21:00. The detention time of patients with trauma in the emergency room showed an extended trend, with 72.2% of patients staying for at least 3 hours in the emergency room. As age increased, the proportion of patients staying in emergency rooms ≥ 3 hours increased gradually. A total of 345 patients (2.6%) died in the emergency room, 4035 patients (30.3%) received surgical treatment, 5082 patients (38.2%) were admitted to a specialised ward for conservative treatment, 2272 patients (17.1) were kept in the emergency room, and 1579 patients (11.9%) were discharged after emergency treatment. Nonconsciousness on admission, systolic blood pressure < 110 mmHg, abnormal diastolic blood pressure, and abnormal heart rate were risk factors for death in patients with trauma in the emergency room.
Conclusion
The emergency department should reasonably allocate medical resources according to the main population of patients with trauma, peak hours, and peak seasons, and standardise emergency procedures. Emergency medical staff should attach importance to the assessment of patients' consciousness and vital signs and provide active treatment.
Monitoring vegetation dynamics using multi-temporal NDVI and EVI images for different agro climatic zones of Tamil Nadu
Authors: V Priya M , R Kalpana , S Pazhanivelan , R Kumaraperumal , P Ragunath K , G Vanitha , Nihar Ashmitha 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Vegetation indices serves as an essential tool in monitoring variations in vegetation. The vegetation indices used often viz., normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) were computed from MODIS vegetation index products. These two products characterize the global range of vegetation states and processes more effectively. This study is investigated to monitor the seasonal dynamics of vegetation by using time series NDVI and EVI indices, throughout the various agro climatic zones present in the Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2021. Utilising the MOD13Q1 data product to procure the vegetation indices viz., NDVI and EVI for the years 2011 to 2021. The data sources were processed and extracted the NDVI and EVI values using ArcGIS software. There was a significant difference in vegetation intensity and status of vegetation over time, with NDVI having a larger value than EVI, indicating that biomass intensity varies over time in Tamil Nadu. Among the deciduous forest, crop land and scrub/ degraded forest, the deciduous forest showed highest mean values for NDVI and EVI. The study showed that vegetation indices extracted from MODIS offered the valuable information on vegetation status and condition at a short temporal time period.
Using predictive models unravel the potential of titanium oxide loaded activated carbon for removal of leachate ammoniacal nitrogen
Authors: Singh Kulbir , Lohchab Rajesh Kumar , Beniwal Vikas , Rout Chadetrik 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The TiO2 nanocomposite efficiency was determined under optimized conditions with activated carbon to remove ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) from the leachate sample. In this work, the facile impregnation and pyrolysis synthesis method was employed to prepare the nanocomposite, and their formation was confirmed using the XRD and Raman studies. In contrast, Raman phonon mode intensity ratio ID/IG increases from 2.094 to 2.311, indicating the increase of electronic conductivity and defects with the loading of TiO2 nanoparticles. The optimal conditions for achieving maximum NH3-N removal of 75.8% were found to be a pH of 7, a dose of 1.75 mg/L, and a temperature of 30oC, with a corresponding time of 160 minutes. All adsorption isotherm records were properly fitted, and linear plots were utilized to analyze NH3-N removal through adsorption kinetic models. Additionally, an effective central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the efficient removal of NH3-N.
Non-linear dilution adjustment of exemplary urine arsenic Part II: Sex- and Age-specific Differences
Authors: Carmine Thomas Clemens 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background In the first part of this study, a variable power-functional creatinine correction (V-PFCRC), normalizing results to 1 g/L creatinine (uCR), was established for total weight spot-urinary arsenic (TWuAs) as an adequate method of urinary dilution. In this second part, the impact of age and sex on TWuAs, V-PFCRC functions, and fluid regulation was investigated in the identical dataset of the first part based on a comprehensive literature review.
Methods All samples with age indication, uAsUC ≤ 500 mg/L, and uCR < 4.5 g/L (n=5585, females n= 2967, males n = 2618) were classified into seven age groups, for which sex-aggregate and disaggregate means ± SEs, medians, and ICRs were calculated for uCR and TWuAs in uncorrected (uAsUC), classical CR corrected (CCRC, uAsC), and V-PFCRC (uAsN) results mode. In addition, Pearson correlation analyses were performed for uCR and TWuAs with age. In addition, sex-aggregated and disaggregated V-PFCRC functions were compared between three numerically similar age groups. Finally, the efficacy of creatinine correction error (CRCE) compensation was assessed by simple power-functional regression analysis (PFRA) in both sexes and seven age bands.
Findings The clear male dominance of uAsUC (p < 0.001) in aggregate age data and all five adult subgroups separately was inverted by CCRC (uAsC, p = 0.011) and neutralized by V-PFCRC (uAsN, p = 0.19). Children and adolescents did not exhibit significant sex variations in TWuAs or uCR. A continuous rise in TWuAs with age from adolescence to the beginning of the seventh decade of life was observed in uAsUC, uAsC, and uAsN (0.28 µg/1 g uCR/year). Conversely, TWuAs decreased from childhood to adolescence and in the highest age group. Pearson analysis for all patients between 14 - 72 years and uAsUC ≤ 500 mg/L revealed significant weak positive correlations (p < 0.001) between TWuAs and age. The log curves between the coefficient a (= uAsN) and exponent b ran higher in younger men and both sexes among seniors, in broad analogy with reportedly higher baseline renal vasopressor activities of angiotensin II (ATII) and arginine vasopressin (AVP, V1) in these subgroups. The efficacy of V-PFCRC was established based on minimized residual biases of uCR on uAsN in both sexes and all seven age bands (R2 0.0029 - 7.0E-09).
Interpretation Sex differences in uAsUC and uAsC are primarily attributable to distinct urinary dilution and thus are compensated by V-PFCRC. In contrast, age-dependent increases in TWuAs, evident in all results modes, are genuine and should be further accounted for in exposure studies and normal range determinations. While sex and age affect V-PFCRC formulas analog to baseline vasopressor activities of ATII/AVP, they only negligibly affect the correction validity. Adequate perception of power-functional relations between uCR and uAsUC alone, even neglecting these minor sex- and age-specific differences in V-PFCRC correction formulas, results in substantial improvement of dilution adjustment.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Medical Ethics and Associated Factors Among Surgery Residents in Addis Ababa University: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Mihret Abebe , Nega Berhanu , Addissie Adamu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Medical ethics is concerned with principles of moral issues and their application in various medical practice. While there is a growing public concern about the conducts of physicians as “poor adherence to ethical principles” in general, there is no published study done about the knowledge, attitude and practice of surgery trainees at Addis Ababa University. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of surgery residents with some associated factors regarding to medical ethics.
Methodology
A sample of the residents in surgery department were the study participants. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire distributed using Google Forms on the internet. It was analyzed using SPSS 2020.
Results
A total of 133 residents were included with male to female ratio of 5.3:1 and 66.2% between the ages 24 to 29 years. About 78.2% of the residents are not satisfied with their work. Most took formal medical ethics course (83.5%), took any form of training (75.2%), and read Hippocratic Oath (86.5%). However, few of them read Nuremberg code (17.3%), Declaration of Geneva (18%), and medical ethics booklet in Ethiopia (29.3%). The percentage of respondents who gave correct answers to the questions of autonomy, justice and non-maleficence was 94%, 75.9% and 85% respectively. The question about beneficence was correctly answered by 53.4%. Using 25% level of significance, knowledge, attitude and practice levels analysis shows only 23(17.3%) are knowledgeable, 47(35.3%) have positive attitudes and 45(33.8%) have good practices of code of ethics. Multivariate analyses shows significant associations between reading general ethics books and knowledge level, between attitude level and knowledge level, level of satisfaction as well as between practice level and work experience, taking formal medical ethics course and level of satisfaction.
Conclusion
The overall assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice is unsatisfactory. Knowledge level, level of satisfaction, work experience and taking formal medical ethics course are factors significantly associated with positive attitude and practice level in a positive way.
Anesthesia management of interventional cardiac catheterization for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) and critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS): a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Ning , Wang Kui-liang , Ren Yue-yi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) and critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS) usually have to undergo treatment in the neonatal period, as their pulmonary blood flow (PBF) depends on the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Recent studies have shown that catheter-based cardiac interventions may achieve similar or superior outcomes for neonates with PA/IVS and CPS compared to traditional surgical intervention. However, there is limited literature on anesthesia techniques, challenges, and risks associated with cardiac catheterization in this population.
Methods This article retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of PA/IVS and CPS neonates who were treated with interventional cardiac catheterization in our hospital from January 2015 to October 2022. A special clinical protocol for anesthetic management of these patients was utilized throughout the study period. Clinical outcomes considered were hemodynamic or SpO2 instability, vasoactive requirements, prolonged intubation (>24 h postoperatively) and cardiovascular adverse events.
Results A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria. Central venous catheter and invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring were provided for 26 neonates during the perioperative period. All patients survived the intervention. Among the patients with CPS, 40 successfully received percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV), while three patients received ductal stenting due to moderate right ventricular dysplasia at the same time. For patients with PA/IVS, 17 of the 23 patients successfully underwent percutaneous pulmonary valve perforation (PPVP) and PBPV. Of these, five patients underwent ductal stenting due to unstable PBF. Three patients only underwent ductal stenting. In addition, three patients received hybrid therapy. Compared with CPS, the procedural time and anesthesia time of PA/IVS were significantly prolonged, as were the numbers of patients using prostaglandin E1 and vasoactive drugs in the perioperative period, and postoperative mechanical ventilation time >24 h was also significantly increased.
Conclusions There are various clinical techniques and risk challenges in the interventional cardiac catheterization of neonatal PA/IVS and CPS. However, by mastering the physiological and pathophysiological characteristics of the disease, adequately preparing for the perioperative period, predicting the procedure process and potential complications, anesthesia and surgical risks can be effectively managed. Compared with CPS neonates, PA/IVS neonates have a higher perioperative risk and incidence of cardiovascular adverse events.