bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat shock Complicated by Acinetobacter baumannii Pneumonia
Authors: zhu yaqian
Published: August 2023

Heat shock can disrupt the respiratory mucosal barrier, which further results in bacterial colonization and dissemination, subsequently leading to systemic endotoxemia. Acinetobacter baumannii is a conditional pathogenic bacterium in the respiratory tract and a common causative agent of bacterial pneumonia. During heat shock, exposure to elevated temperatures disrupts the integrity of pulmonary endothelial cells and the air-blood barrier, allowing for the colonization and extensive proliferation of Acinetobacter baumannii in the respiratory tract, consequently causing pulmonary infections. Here is a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of a patient with heat shock complicated by Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Zhijiang People's Hospital. The analysis aims to provide insights into the pathological basis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for the occurrence of this condition, thereby enhancing the awareness of clinicians regarding complications associated with heat shock.
Efficacy of Pretreatment with Remimazolam on Prevention of Propofol-Induced Injection Pain in Patients Undergoing Gastroscopy: A Prospective, Sing-Center, Randomized, Double-Blinded and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Yuan Ruimei , Wen Jing , Xing Qingfei , Chao Lei , Hu Chunhai , Ren Jie , Meng Fanjun
Published: August 2023

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of remimazolam pretreatment in preventing propofol-induced injection pain (PIP) in patients undergoing gastroscopy.
Methods
One hundred and forty patients( ASA Ⅰ -Ⅱ, aged 18–65 years, BMI 18–28 kg/m2) who had undergone selective gastroscopy were randomized into either a saline group ( group S) or a remimazolam group ( group R) ( n = 70 for each) on a computer-generated random number basis. The patients in group S received normal saline (0.1 mL/kg) and those in group R were administered remimazolam (0.1 mg/kg) via intravenous infusion for 60 seconds. Group S and R patients were intravenously received propofol (0.5 mL/s) until loss of consciousness. A different anesthesiologist who was unaware of the pretreatment was responsible for maintaining the outcome. The primary endpoint of our study was the incidence of PIP, which was measured using a 4-point scale. Secondary endpoints include the intensity of PIP, vital signs, characteristics of surgery and recovery, and adverse events.
Results
The incidence of PIP was significantly lower in group R than in group S (12.86 vs 51.43%, p < 0.001), and a lower percentage of patients presented with moderate PIP (2.86 vs 20.0%, p < 0.001). Moreover, lower consumption of propofol, shorter recovery time, and greater patient satisfaction were observed in group R than in group S.
Conclusion
Pretreatment with remimazolam can effectively reduce the incidence and intensity of PIP in gastroscopy and shorten the recovery time without severe adverse effects.
Trial Registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR2200063793).
Coordinate system setting for post-machining of impeller shape by wire arc additive manufacturing and evaluation of processing efficiency
Authors: Son Hwi Jun , Seo Bo Wook , Kim Chang Jong , Kim Seok , Cho Young Tae
Published: August 2023

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a metal 3D printing process that uses arc welding. It is a method of stacking beads made by melting metal wires with an arc heat source generated by a short-circuit current. Compared to other metal additive manufacturing methods, this process can be used to quickly produce large and complex-shaped metal parts. However, due to the multi-bead stacking method, the surface is highly curved and the dimensional errors are large; therefore, post-processing of the surface by cutting is required. Impellers, which are widely used in various industries, have complex shapes and high material consumption during cutting; therefore, the WAAM process can improve the manufacturing efficiency. In this study, a manufacturing process for an impeller with a diameter of 160 mm was developed by using the WAAM process. A 6-bladed fan-type impeller used for high-pressure fluid delivery was similarly modeled, and the product was additively manufactured using an Inconel 625 alloy wire. The additive manufacturing conditions that ensure productivity and quality or the product were determined through experimentation. Considering the post-processing of the WAAM-fabricated structure, the robot and tool paths of the impeller model were designed, and the error in the process coordinate system caused by attaching and detaching the workpiece between the two processes was reduced. Through the post-processing of the WAAM-fabricated structure, the production efficiency and process reliability were verified when the conventional manufacturing method and WAAM process were applied.
Effect of mentorship and a mHealth application in updating provider skills and knowledge in maternal and newborn care in two informal settlements of Nairobi
Authors: Ndwiga Charity , Abuya Timothy , Okondo Chantalle , Akinyi Sharon , Wickramanayake Anneka , Warren Charlotte E.
Published: August 2023

Background
Children and women in urban informal settlements have fewer choices to access quality maternal and newborn health care. Facilities serving these communities are under-resourced, staffed by providers with limited access to skills updates. We present evidence of the combined effect of mentorship and a self-guided online learning platform for maternal health providers to increase their capacity in providing general and emergency obstetric and newborn care in 24 facilities from two informal settlements in Nairobi.
Methods
Mixed methods research with before and after cross-sectional provider surveys conducted at baseline and endline. Descriptive analysis compared individual knowledge elements using a chi square test of proportions between baseline and endline and a summary score generated to develop a composite score. A negative binomial regression model was fitted to explore the relationship between the primary outcome (composite knowledge score) and exposure to the intervention. During endline, 18 in-depth interviews were conducted with mentors, mentees exposed to the intervention, and providers not exposed to explore experience of the intervention on quality maternal health services. Data was managed using NVIVO 20 (QSR International) and analyzed thematically.
Results
Overall, out of 95 knowledge elements examined, there were statistically significant improvements of both individual and overall scores from 29/95 at baseline (30.5%) to 44.3/95 (46.6%) during endline representing a 16-percentage point increase (p < 0.001). These improvements were evident the in public health facilities representing a 17.3 percentage point increase (from 30.9% at baseline to 48.2% at endline, p < 0.001). Providers working in private facilities exhibited a 15.8 percentage point increase in knowledge from 29.7% at baseline to 45.5% at endline (p = 0.0001).Scores of providers at hospital level increased from 34–51% at endline representing a 17-percentage point increase (p = 0.0001). Those working in health centers improved their score from around 28% to 46, a 16-percentage increase (p < 0.001); however, there were no significant changes among providers working in dispensaries (25.4% at baseline to 32.1% at endline, p = 0.351).
Conclusion
The combined effects of mentorship and a self-guided online learning platform for maternal health providers improve provider competency, skills, and knowledge of maternal and newborn health services working in informal settlements.
Clinicopathological analysis of MPO-ANCA glomerulonephritis in children on immune cell infiltrates
Authors: Zhang Pei , He Xu , Tang Zi-lu , Wang Pei-pei , Gao Chun-lin , Xia Zheng-kun
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to establish the correlations between renal immune cell infiltration and clinical, laboratory and pathological characteristics in pediatric patients diagnosed with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN).
METHODS
The present study aimed at analyzing the correlation between intrarenal immune cell infiltrates and clinical, laboratory, and renal pathological characteristics in pediatric patients diagnosed with MPO-AAGN.
RESULTS
Neutrophils infiltrates positively moderately correlated with mononuclear cells infiltrates, acute kidney injury (AKI), procalcitonin (PCT), urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG) and Pediatric Vasculitis Activity Score (PVAS), interstitial inflammation, tubulointerstitial inflammation score and tubulitis score, and negatively moderately correlated with ANCA renal risk score (ARRS) low-risk group, minimal and mild group in Mayo clinic chronicity score (MCCS) system. Mononuclear cells infiltrates positively moderately correlated with the value of CD4 + T cells and crescent formation, and negatively moderately correlated with normal glomeruli. Bowman's capsule rupture (BCR) positively moderately correlated with neutrophils and mononuclear cells infiltrates. In AAGN, neutrophil infiltrates were a risk factor for acute kidney disease (AKD), while plasma cells infiltrates were a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5. The renal survival rate in plasma cells infiltrate (+) group was significantly poorer than plasma cells infiltrates (-) group (X2 = 4.527, p = 0.033).
CONCLUSIONS
Immune cells infiltrate positively correlated with each other, and mainly positively correlated with acute renal tubular and kidney inflammatory lesions in children with MPO-AAGN. In addition, neutrophils and plasma cells infiltrates were associated with the progression of MPO-AAGN in children.
Exploring the connection between ego-resiliency and health behaviors: a case study of Polish health sciences students
Authors: Dębska-Janus Małgorzata , Dębski Paweł , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Polechoński Jacek , Madejczyk Wojciech , Badura-Brzoza Karina
Published: August 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ego-resiliency and the intensity of health behaviors among Polish health sciences students.
Methods: The study involved 483 students fromhealth-related faculties insouthern Poland, consisting of 314 women (63.7%) and 179 men (36.3%). The average age of the participants was 21.7±2.5 years. To assess resiliency, theEgo-Resiliency Scale (ER89-R12) by Block and Kremen was used in its Polish adaptation. The intensity of health behaviors was examined using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Z. Juczyński.
Results: The results revealed a positive correlation between the intensity of health behaviors and ER (r=0.43, p<0.001), both for the general factor and its specific categories. Students with a high level of health behaviors exhibited significantly higher ER (M=38.95, SD=5.15) compared to those with average (M=35.93, SD=5.03) and low (M=32.97, SD=5.12) HBI levels. Among the HBI categories, Positive Mental Attitude showed the strongest correlation with ER. Furthermore, the correlation was found to be stronger with the optimal regulation factor and weaker with openness to life experiences. Conclusion: Higher ER in students is correlatedwith a greater likelihood of engaging in health behaviors consistently. Nurturing the development of ERmay contribute to the maintenance of prohealth practices despite life difficulties and temporary loss of motivation. This, in turn, promotes the regularity of health behaviors, which is crucial for their positive impact on overall health.
Fully Vaccination coverage and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in Pawe District: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Salah Fekiahmed , Azage Muluken , Weyessa Nigatu , Mulatu Sileshi , Jira Lemessa
Published: August 2023

Background
Although accesses to vaccine for children are increasing at healthcare facility, outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases and deaths were reported in different areas of Benishangul Gumuz Region. Different interventions have also been given to provide vaccine for each child with their appropriate age. Still there is limited information on fully vaccination coverage and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, particularly in Pawe district.
Method
A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from April, 1–30/2022 among 750 participants. Study populations were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data was coded and entered into SPSS 23.0 versions. Bi-variable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with vaccination status of children. Variables with p-value < 0.05 were considered significantly associated with the outcome variable.
Result
The results of this study revealed that 542 (72.3%) with the (95% CI = 68.9, 75.2) of the children were full vaccinated. The factors significantly associated with full vaccination coverage were employed mothers (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.95), ANC follow-up (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.03), PNC follow-up (AOR = 6.19, 95% CI: 3.62, 10.56), health institution delivery (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI: 1.90, 11.66), Birth order of children (AOR = 3.63, CI: 2.00, 6.59) mothers who had vaccinated for TT (AOR = 3.05, CI: 1.36, 6.86) & mothers knowledge of vaccination schedule (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.21).
Conclusions
This study revealed that full vaccination coverage was lower than the recommended targets set by District level. Mothers’ occupation, ANC follow up, PNC visit, Birth order of children, place of delivery, mothers who knows vaccination schedule of a catchment area and mothers who had vaccinated for TT vaccine were found to be statistically significantly associated with full vaccination status of children aged 12–23 months. We recommend that effectiveness on vaccine should be studied in this area.
Patients’ perception towards Doctor- Patient communication in medical clinics: a cross sectional study from a district hospital in northern, Sri Lanka
Authors: Shanjeeban Ponnudurai , Suganthan Navaneethakrishnan , Rajeshkannan Nadarajah , Consultant Acting
Published: August 2023

Background: A good medical practice involves good communication between the patient and the doctor. Patients' satisfaction is greatly based on the doctor’s skill of communication. Inadequate communication is a significant factor determining patients' dissatisfaction with distrust which leads to poor quality of health care. In this research, we aim to assess patients’ perception towards Doctor-Patient Communication in a medical clinic in Northern, Sri Lanka.
Method: This was an outpatient clinic-based cross-sectional study conducted among medical clinic patients where patients get their chronic disease care, in the district hospital Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka. Our study used a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire. Data were collected over a month in early 2023 among 407 systematically random sampled patients.
Results: Out of 407 patients (36.4%) were above the age of 60 years and 57.2% were females. One hundred and seven patients had secondary education (26.3%) and 33.9% of them completed tertiary education. The majority (37.6%) were unemployed and 20.9% were labourers.
Majority of respondents (97.8%) had reported that they had sufficient time with doctors and 97.2% of them revealed they were greeted. Also, 96.3% of patients were mentioned they were thoroughly examined by the doctor. Majority, 393 (96.6%CI: 94.4-98.0%) patients were satisfied with the doctor's communication. Gender showed a significant association with satisfaction level (P=0.028). Patients above the age of 60 years were more satisfied (99.3%) compared to the other ages (P>0.05). Similarly patients presented in their own to consultation showed more satisfaction level compared to patients presented with by standers (P<0.001).Longer waiting time negatively associated with satisfaction level (P-0.016) Patients trust level regarding doctors was high with mean score of 8.82 with SD-1.44 in 1-10 scale. Trust level score significantly varied with level of satisfaction regarding doctors’ communication (P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the current study, patients’ satisfaction level was high regarding doctors’ communication skills. Also, the gender of the patient had a significant association with the level of satisfaction. Waiting time negatively associated with satisfaction level. Patient’s trust level significantly depends on the level of satisfaction regarding their communication which is corner stone for patient’s adherence to treatment
Comparison of structural variant callers for massive whole-genome sequence data
Authors: Joe Soobok , Park Jong-Lyul , Kim Jun , Kim Sangok , Park Ji-Hwan , Yeo Min-Kyung , Yang Jin Ok , Kim Seon-Young
Published: August 2023

Background
Detecting structural variations (SVs) at the population level using next-generation sequencing (NGS) requires substantial computational resources and processing time. Here, we compared the performances of 10 SV callers: Delly, Manta, GridSS, Wham, Sniffles, Lumpy, SvABA, Canvas, CNVnator, and MELT. These SV callers have been recently published and have been widely employed for processing massive whole-genome sequencing datasets. We evaluated the accuracy, sequence depth, running time, and memory usage of the SV callers.
Results
Notably, several callers exhibited better calling performance for deletions than for duplications, inversions, and insertions. Among the SV callers, Manta identified deletion SVs with better performance and efficient computing resources, and both Manta and MELT demonstrated relatively good precision regarding calling insertions. We confirmed that the copy number variation callers, Canvas and CNVnator, exhibited better performance in identifying long duplications as they employ the read-depth approach. Finally, we also verified the genotypes inferred from each SV caller using a phased long-read assembly dataset, and Manta showed the highest concordance in terms of the deletions and insertions.
Conclusions
Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the accuracy and computational efficiency of SV callers, thereby facilitating integrative analysis of SV profiles in diverse large-scale genomic datasets.
Effect of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Clinical and Molecular Biomarkers of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mondal Banashree , Choudhury Supriyo , Banerjee Rebecca , Roy Akash , Chatterjee Koustav , Basu Purba , Singh Ravi , Halder Saptak , Shubham Shantanu , Baker Stuart N , Baker Mark R , Kumar Hrishikesh
Published: August 2023

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) is an established neurostimulation therapy used in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and cluster headache. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial we explored the role of nVNS in the treatment of gait and other motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In a subgroup of patients, we measured selected neurotrophins, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in serum. Thirty-three PD patients with freezing of gait (FOG) were randomised to either nVNS or sham. After baseline assessments, patients were instructed to deliver six 2 minute stimulations (12 minutes/day) of the nVNS/sham device for one month at home. Patients were then re-assessed. After a one-month washout period, they were allocated to the alternate treatment arm and the same process was followed. Significant improvements in key gait parameters (speed, stance time and step length) were observed with nVNS. While serum tumor necrosis factor- α decreased, glutathione and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) after nVNS treatment. Here we present the first evidence of the efficacy and safety of nVNS in the treatment of gait in PD patients, and propose that nVNS can be used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of PD patients, especially those suffering from FOG. Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN14797144 Date of Registration: 11 May, 2020
Effects of nitrogen fertilization strategies on yield-related traits of rice cultivars with different yield types at panicle development stage
Authors: Zou Yue , Zhang Yuchen , Cui Jiehao , Gao Jiacong , Guo Liying , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2023

Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world. About half of the world's people use rice as their staple food. Rice panicle morphogenesis plays an important role in rice yield formation. However, under different nitrogen ( N ) fertilization strategies, it is not clear whether the morphological and physiological state of panicles affects the formation of yield by changing the differentiation and development of panicle. To understand how the panicle differentiation and development, and grain yield are affected by the N fertilization strategies, and clarify the relationship between related traits and yield in the process of panicle development in different varieties. In this study consisted of five N treatments, a panicle weight type (PWT) and a panicle number type (PNT) rice cultivar were grown in the field. The results showed that N fertilization strategies could improve the nitrogen use efficiency and yield of rice, but the response of different rice varieties to N fertilizer strategies was different. The further increase of panicle N fertilizer ratio could not further improve the yield of PNT rice varieties. Correlation analysis showed that SDN and SSR were the main factors affecting yield of DF114. PCA results showed that ZR content in panicle of DF114 was significantly correlated with N concentration in panicle, and was significantly negatively correlated with SRN and RP in floret differentiation stage. ABA content in panicle was significantly positively correlated with SSR in grain filling stage. The floret differentiation of LD11 was the main factor affecting the yield. PCA results showed that IAA in the panicle of LD11 was significantly positively correlated with SDN in the floret differentiation stage. These results suggest that N fertilizer strategies can affect the content of phytohormones in rice at the panicle differentiation stage, and then regulate the differentiation and development of rice panicles to affect yield. It is of great significance to optimize the application mode of N fertilizer according to the characteristics of varieties to improve rice yield and ensure food security.
A single-institutional retrospective analysis of related factors for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Hongmin Zeng , Qianling Dai , Dan Jiang
Published: August 2023

Background
To date, there are only a few studies on the related factors of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). This study analyzes the features of VaIN and identify underlying risk factors.
Methods
Patients with histologically confirmed VaIN at the Industrial Street Branch of Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital from July 2020 to December 2021 were objectively identified. We used the baseline clinical characteristics, human papillomavirus (HPV), cytology, and pathology of the cases enrolled for statistical analysis.
Results
A total of 62 patients with VaIN (mean age: 39.06 ± 11.66 years; range: 19–69 years) were included, with 16 patients having cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) complications. Synchronous CIN was identified in 46 (74.2%) patients. Except for one patient with vulvar itching, almost all patients were asymptomatic. The most common cytological abnormalities among women were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) (59.5%) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (21.6%). Abnormalities occurred in six (37.5%) out of 16 patients with VaIN only and in 31 (67.4%) out of 46 patients with concurrent CIN (P = 0.0358). Additionally, 60 (96.8%) patients developed HPV infection. The most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV16 in patients with VaIN alone and both HPV58 and HPV16 in patients with concurrent CIN.
Conclusions
Attention should be paid to HPV16- and HPV58-positive patients with cytological abnormalities such as ASC-US and LSIL (especially concurrent CIN) to avoid misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis and to facilitate early interventions for VaIN.
Integrated Analysis of Cancer Risk from Metabolic Dysfunction: Biological Mechanisms and Tipping Points
Authors: Pepper John W
Published: August 2023

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with the incidence of cancer, and they are rising epidemics. Therefore, clarification of the biological mechanisms of metabolic cancer risk is needed to guide strategies to intercept any elevated cancer risk resulting from metabolic syndrome. This study addressed whether interactions among known biological mechanisms elevate cancer risk, and which mechanisms offer the best leverage points for preventing any resulting cancer risk. It used a systems approach to examine the network of biological mechanisms, with special attention to clinically important feedbacks and tipping points. The results show that while no single mechanism leads from metabolic dysfunction to cancer risk, the integrated network of known mechanisms does. Metabolic syndrome collectively, and most of its components individually, induce documented oncogenic pathways. A network of such pathways leads from metabolic dysfunction to oncogenesis. This network includes self-reinforcing feedback loops, mostly centered on systemic metabolic inflammation, that can create tipping points into chronically dysfunctional metabolism with elevated cancer risk. Optimal interventions to reduce cancer risk should preempt these tipping points by targeting elements of metabolic dysfunction upstream of known feedback loops.
Bone mineral density in lower thoracic vertebral for osteoporosis diagnosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening
Authors: Hu Nandong , Wang Miaomiao , Yang Meng , Chen Xin , Wang Jiangchuan , Xie Chao , Zhang Bin , Wang Zhongqiu , Chen Xiao
Published: August 2023

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) has been used to diagnose osteoporosis. Whether the thresholds of lumbar bone mineral density (LBMD) are applicable to the thoracic spine should be validated. This study explored the value of lower thoracic BMD (TBMD) in diagnosing osteoporosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening. This study included 610 subjects who underwent QCT scans with both LBMD and TBMD. Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on LBMD using the ACR criteria (gold standard). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to define the TBMD thresholds. TBMD was translated into LBMD (TTBMD) and osteoporosis was defined based on TTBMD using ACR criteria. The performance of TBMD thresholds and TTBMD in identifying osteoporosis was determined using the Kappa test. In addition, 227 subjects with baseline TBMD data and followed up spine fracture were included to show the association between TBMD- and TTBMD-based osteoporosis and fracture. The performance of TBMD in identifying osteoporosis was low (kappa = 0.66) if using the ACR criteria. Two thresholds of TBMD for identifying osteopenia (128 mg/cm3) and in identifying osteoporosis (91 mg/cm3) were obtained with areas under the curve of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. The performance of the identification of osteoporosis/osteopenia using the two thresholds or TTBMD both had good agreement with the gold standard (kappa = 0.78, 0.86). Osteopenia and osteoporosis identified using the thresholds (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 4.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–15.06; adjusted HR = 18.72, 95% CI: 5.13–68.36) or TTBMD (adjusted HR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.16–6.72; adjusted HR = 10.28, 95% CI: 4.22–25.08) were also associated with fractures. Calculating the threshold of TBMD or normalizing TBMD to LBMD both showed good performance in identifying osteoporosis in older adults during CT lung cancer screening.
Assessments of Food Waste Practices for the Reductions of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Selected Cities of Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Abdulshekur , Caucci Serena , Lohmann Dietmar , Sitotaw Yohannis
Published: August 2023

By the year 2050, the global food system must feed nine billion people, out of which around 8 billion would be in developing countries. And also the global community should change the food system to achieve Sustainable Development Goal #2 which is to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Most importantly, in the year 2017, the tragic landslide at the waste collection site at the place known as koshe in the capital of Ethiopia killed 116 people. This landfill was 30% arise from food waste. Nevertheless, it is estimated that at least 21% of all food produced in Sub-Saharan African countries is wasted. Food systems account for 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the study of Assessments of Food Waste Practices for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the selected cities of Ethiopia was undertaken with the main focus on food waste prevention, As is seen from the data (n = 50), 48% of our respondents were holders of MSc degree, 24% Ph.D. degree, 22% Primary education level respondents and the remaining 6% BSc degree holders. On the other hand, 78% of our respondents were fully employed, 50% were in the age range of 30 to 40, and 28%. Moreover, 58% have an income of ≥ 10,000 local currency and pay for food 40% of their income per month. For the correlation between the city of living and the money spend on food, P-value was 0.15 indicating there was no correlation between respondents’ area of living and the amount of money spent on food purchases. The amount of money they usually pay for food per their family members per week is ≥ 1000 which means they spend approximately 40% of their income per month which is a significant amount. Moreover, correlation analysis between income range and the money spent on food purchases per week shows that the P-value of 0.2 indicates there was no correlation between income and food expenditures. Incredibly 84% said they don’t consume all that they purchased indicating they are no plan for food purchasing, producing avoidable food waste, and 92% replied that they never record their meal and snack including when, why, and how much they usually consume, which is another indicator of bad food habits which also leads to eating disorders.
Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Adolescents’ Mental Health Services in Karachi: Users and Providers Perspectives
Authors: Mubeen Zainab , Fatmi Zafar , Hameed Waqas , Asim Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Background: Adolescent mental healthcare (MHC) is driven by numerous factors, and adolescents occasionally seek professional help for mental health issues due to several reasons. The reasons become more complex within low- and middle-income countries; therefore, this study aims to enhance the understanding of perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health services among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old from the perspective of users and providers.
Method: Semi-structured interview guide was developed using Andersen’s health service utilization model. In-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare providers (n=21) and parents of adolescents (n=19) in psychiatry departments of public and private tertiary care hospitals in Karachi. Inductive thematic analysis technique was used to identify themes from the data and further themes were developed.
Result: The findings revealed a consensus of mental health providers (MHPs) and users in all three categories of the Andersen model and consider the MHC access and utilization for adolescents because of compulsion rather than personal health choices. Within pre-disposing, need, and enabling factors; the study participants highlighted a unique perspective; users regarded frequent migration, daily wage loss, and women's societal status as barriers while the need for marriage and patient willingness were stated as facilitators. Likewise, MHPs indicated societal tolerance, the burden on the health system, and the absence of CAMH services as major gaps in service delivery.
Conclusion: Service utilization is mostly facilitated by the severity of illness instead of individual personal choices, health beliefs, accessibility, and affordability. It is therefore imperative to prioritize adolescent MH through mental health promotion and prevention approaches. and address service delivery gaps to prevent treatment delays via task shifting and capacity building of the health workforce.
A Strategy for co-expression of multiple proteins in Komagataella phaffii without introducing selectable markers via the Cre/loxP system
Authors: Wang Weixian , Han Minghai , Zhu Guofei , Liu Xiaohui , Zhao Tianming , Ma Xiaoyan , Gong Xun , Xu Cunbin
Published: August 2023

Objective The objective was to develop a convenient strategy for co-expressing multiple proteins in Komagataella phaffii via the Cre/loxP system without introducing any markers.Results A plasmid in this strategy was generated from pPICZαA with integration of lox71-Sh ble-lox66. Firstly, the plasmid was inserted with one target protein gene and then transformed into K. phaffii KM71. Secondly, the auxiliary plasmid pPICZαA/cre/his4 containing CRE recombinase gene was further chromosomally inserted to Sh ble gene therein. Finally, methanol induction was conducted to produce CRE for Cre/loxP-mediated recombination, and consequently, the sequence between lox71 and lox66 was deleted, leading to recovery of ZeoR and His− markers. Then the resulted strain expressing the one target protein was used as the host to which another target protein gene could be inserted by the same procedures.Conclusions With easy manipulation, the method was effective in co-expressing multiple proteins with rescue of markers in this yeast.
Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis using Optical Coherence Tomography Supported by Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Garcia-Martin Elena , Dongil-Moreno Francisco , Ortiz Miguel , Ciubotaru Olga , Boquete Luciano , Sánchez-Morla Eva , Jimeno-Huete Daniel , Miguel Juan , Barea Rafael , Vilades Elisa
Published: August 2023

Background/Objectives:
Study of retinal structure based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data can facilitate early diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Although artificial intelligence can provide highly reliable diagnoses, the results obtained must be explainable.
Subjects/Methods:
The study included 79 recently diagnosed RRMS patients and 69 age matched healthy control subjects. Thickness (Avg) and inter-eye difference (Diff) features are obtained in 4 retinal layers using the posterior pole protocol. Each layer is divided into 6 analysis zones. The Support Vector Machine plus Recursive Feature Elimination with Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (SVM-RFE-LOOCV) approach is used to find the subset of features that reduces dimensionality and optimizes the performance of the classifier.
Results
SVM-RFE-LOOCV was used to identify OCT features with greatest capacity for early diagnosis, determining the area of the papillomacular bundle to be the most influential. A correlation was observed between loss of layer thickness and increase in functional disability. There was also greater functional deterioration in patients with greater asymmetry between left and right eyes. The classifier based on the top-ranked features obtained sensitivity = 0.86 and specificity = 0.90.
Conclusions
There was consistency between the features identified as relevant by the SVM-RFE-LOOCV approach and the retinotopic distribution of the retinal nerve fibers and the optic nerve head. This simple method contributes to implementation of an assisted diagnosis system and its accuracy exceeds that achieved with magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system, the current gold standard. This paper provides novel insights into RRMS affectation of the neuroretina.
White Spot Lesions: Diagnosis and Treatment – a Systematic Review
Authors: Lopes Pedro C. , Carvalho Teresa , Gomes Ana T. P. C. , Veiga Nelio , Blanco Letícia , Correia Maria José , Mello-Moura Anna Carolina Volpi
Published: August 2023

Background
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world and its first stage appears as a white spot lesion. It is important to know its activity and the differential diagnoses. There are several ways to diagnose an injury and several clinical approaches to its treatment. The aim of this study is related to a previously established PICO(S) question: “Do new diagnostic tools have the potential to change the conventional treatment of white spots?”.
Methods
A systematic search of available studies in the literature was carried out in Pubmed and Scopus electronic databases and manually to identify relevant articles. This systematic review included trials complying the following inclusion criteria: (1) being in humans, (2) being in English, (3) being about white spot lesions, (4) have been published between 2012 and 2023, (5) having both diagnosis and treatment and (6) having full text available. In this review we excluded other systematic reviews of clinical trials and studies in vitro. The RoB tool was used to assess the risk of bias.
Results
The systematic literature search identified 143 potentially relevant references, which after applying the exclusion criteria, resulted in only 22 articles. Regarding diagnostic methods, most articles found were based on visual examination (10) or fluorescence (7). The least referenced diagnostic techniques were based on the use of clinical photographs (2), cross-sectional microrafiography (1) and computed microtomography (1). The use of DIAGNOdent was reported by 3 studies. With regard to therapies, most studies reported the use of infiltrating resin (7) and fluoride-based products (5). Other studies have reported the use of SAPP11-4 (1), home care (1), CPP-ACP (2) and HCL (1). Combination therapies were also considered: 2 studies reported the use of fluoride varnish, 2 studies used infiltrating resin and fluoride varnish, and one study reported the use of a combination of fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine.
Conclusion
The chosen diagnostic tool does not have the potential to change the form of treatment, whether it is a conventional method or a differentiated one.
Probing the Mechanism of Cation Enhanced CO2 Reduction in Acidic Media: Water Structure Determining the Hydrogenation Kinetics
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Cai Yu-Chen , Li Xiao-Yu , Ye Jinyu , Zhou Yao , Tian Na , Zhou Zhi-You , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: August 2023

Tuning the properties of the electric double layer via cations is an efficient and well-accepted approach for improving the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the mechanism for cation enhanced CO2RR kinetics is a long-standing puzzle. Here, we identify the key intermediate, i.e., adsorbed CO2, by in-situ attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, and confirm that the adsorbed CO2 can only be observed in the presence of the cations. Different from the prevalent viewpoints, time-resolved infrared spectra reveal that Li+ prefers to promote the adsorption of CO2 rather than other larger cations, but it slows down the hydrogenation kinetics of CO2. The ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations and the spectroscopic features of water suggest that the rigid water networks around Li+ impedes the hydrogen of water to approach the oxygen of the adsorbed CO2. In contrast, more flexible water networks around larger cations (e.g., Na+) benefit the reorientation of water and increase the possibility of hydrogen approaching CO2, which boosts CO2RR, consequently. This study highlights the essential role of interfacial water structure in enhancing the activity of CO2RR.
Identification of Selective ATP-Competitive CMG Helicase Inhibitors for Cancer Intervention that Disrupt CMG-Replisome Function
Authors: Alexandrow Mark , Xiang Shengyan , Luo Xingju , Welch Darcy , Reed Damon
Published: August 2023

The human CMG helicase (Cdc45-MCM-GINS) is a novel target for anti-cancer therapy due to tumor-specific weaknesses in CMG function induced by oncogenic changes and the need for CMG function during recovery from replicative stresses such as chemotherapy. Here, we developed an orthogonal biochemical screening approach and identified selective CMG inhibitors (CMGi) that inhibit ATPase and helicase activities in an ATP-competitive manner at low micromolar concentrations. Structure-activity information and in silico docking indicate that CMGi occupy ATP binding sites and channels within MCM subunits leading to the ATP clefts, which are likely used for ATP/ADP ingress or egress. CMGi inhibit cell growth and DNA replication using multiple molecular mechanisms. CMGi block helicase assembly steps that require ATP binding/hydrolysis by the MCM complex, specifically MCM ring assembly on DNA and GINS recruitment to DNA-loaded MCM hexamers. During S-phase, inhibition of MCM ATP binding/hydrolysis by CMGi causes a ‘reverse allosteric’ dissociation of Cdc45/GINS from the CMG that destabilizes the replisome and disrupts interactions with Ctf4, Mcm10, and DNA polymerase-α, -δ, -ε, resulting in DNA damage. These novel CMGi are selectively toxic toward tumor cells and define a new class of CMG helicase-targeted anti-cancer compounds with distinct mechanisms of action.
Protocol for a scoping review of climate change and the impact on health of people living with dementia
Authors: Lima Camila Astolphi , Alsunaidi Sara , Lowe Samuel , Hogan David , Dennett Liz , Jones C Allyson , Yamamoto Shelby
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Environmental factors resulting from climate change and air pollution are risk factors for many chronic conditions including dementia. Although research has shown the impacts of air pollution on cognitive status, less is known about the association between climate change and specific health-related outcomes of older people living with dementia. In response to IPCC call, we will outline a scoping review protocol to systematically review the published literature regarding the effects of climate change including temperature and weather variability on health outcomes in older adults living with dementia.
Methods and analysis: This scoping review will be guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Electronic search (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science) using relevant subject headings and synonyms for 2 concepts (older people with dementia, weather/ climate change) will be conducted. No publication date or other restrictions will be applied to the search strategy. No language restriction will be used aiming to understand the impact of non-English studies in the literature. Eligible studies must include older adults (65+years) with dementia living in the community and investigate the impacts of climate change and/or weather on their health-related quality of life, morbidity, falls, use of health resources and mortality. Two independent reviewers will screen abstracts and select those for a full-text review, perform these reviews, select articles for retention, and extract data from them in a standardized manner. This data will then be synthesized and interpreted.
OSF registration: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/YRFM8.
Adaptive Metal Ion Transport and Metalloregulation Drive Fate Differentiation in Pluripotent Synthetic Cells
Authors: Wegner Seraphine , Higashi Sayuri , Chakraborty Taniya , Zheng Yanjun , Alavizargar Azadeh , Heuer Andreas
Published: August 2023

Pluripotent stem cells can yield different cell types depending on a sequence of differentiation signals as it activates/deactivates functions and keeps a memory of previous inputs. Herein, we achieve pluripotency in synthetic cells with three dormant apo-metalloenzymes such that they can differentiate towards different fates depending on the sequence of specific metal ion transport with ionophores. In the first differentiation step, the selective transport of extracellular metal ion cofactors into pluripotent giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) differentially activates enzymatic pathways that give rise to an increase of intracellular pH, production of hydrogen peroxide, or cell lysis. Formerly added ionophores suppress transport with subsequent ionophores due to in membrane interactions between ionophores. Consequently, the addition of a second ionophore leads to a dampened response in the multipotent GUV and a third ionophore in no further response, reminiscent of a terminally differentiated GUV. Taken together, the pluripotent GUV differentiates into five final fates depending on the sequence of three ionophores by virtue of adaptive metal ion transport.
Vinyl-Methyl Substituted Silica Aerogel-Like Hybrids as Effective Oil/Organic Solvent Sorbents
Authors: Çok Selay Sert , Koç Fatoș , Len Adél , Gizli Nilay , Dudás Zoltán Imre
Published: August 2023

This work aimed to develop vinyl/methyl-decorated silica-based aerogel-like hybrids and evaluate their performance as novel oil/organic solvent adsorbents. Silica hybrids were prepared in two series by co-condensation of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) either with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) (VM-series) or tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) (VT-series) followed by surface methylation with TMCS at ambient pressure. By gradual vinyl substitution, the changes in the physicochemical and morphological properties of the hybrids were monitored using complementary characterization techniques, such as FTIR, 29Si-NMR, SEM, N2 porosimetry, small angle neutron/X-ray scattering and contact angle measurements. The results confirmed the significant structural changes in VT-series with increasing VTMS content, whereas it had only a limited effect on the network formation in VM-series. In VT-series, the samples were predominantly mesoporous in nature, even up to a high VTMS content (75 mol%), resulting in large specific surface area values (792–1021 m2/g). However, in VM-series, the samples were mostly macroporous and emerged in sponge-like monolithic form after drying with very low densities (0.087–0.182 g/cm3) and high porosities (87.2–93.9%). The successful vinyl/methyl substitution also resulted in good hydrophobicity (up to 147°) in each series. Owing to its lightweight structure and hydrophobicity, the samples VT-100 and VM-50 had the highest sorption capacities (up to 11.63 g/g for VM-50 and 10.92 g/g for VT-100) for most organic pollutants and stable performance up to 10 cycles. The free-standing monolithic structure, well-developed porous network, enhanced hydrophobic behavior and superior adsorption performance make these materials excellent sorbents for oil spill remediation applications.
Evaluation of the Air Quality in Arid Climate Megacities. (Case Study: Greater Cairo)
Authors: Hwehy Mohammed Mahmoud , Moursy Fawzia I. , El-Tantawi Attia M. , Mohamed Mostafa A.
Published: August 2023

The accelerated urbanization in developing counties in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region increases exposure to outdoor air pollution. This work aims to evaluate the ambient air quality in the Greater Cairo area (GC) as one of the largest megacities in the MENA region. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified GC as the largest polluted city in the MENA region. Exploratory data analysis (EDA) was used to assess the pollutants data and meteorological data to show the impacts of weather factors on ambient air quality in the study area. The results show that GC suffers from particle matter (PM) pollutants for both long-term and short-term exposure. The short-term exposure to gaseous pollutants did not exceed the guidelines, however, the long-term did in some traffic areas. The weather and terrain show significant impacts on the temporal and spatial variation of pollutants observations. Most ambient air pollution issues in the MENA region are due to its natural sources and traffic.