bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value-based pre-operative assessment in a large academic hospital
Authors: Cecconi Maurizio , Goretti Giulia , Pradella Andrea , Meroni Patrizia , Pisarra Martina , Torzilli Guido , Montorsi Marco , Spinelli Antonino , Zerbi Alessandro , Castoro Carlo , Casale Paolo , Civilini Efrem , Quagliuolo Vittorio , Klinger Marco , Spriano Giuseppe , Vitobello Domenico , Maradei Leonardo , Reimers Bernhard , Piccioni Federico , Martucci Maria Rosaria , Stomeo Niccolò , Vanni Elena , Babbini Marco , Monzani Roberta , Capogreco Maria Rosaria , Lagioia Michele , Greco Massimiliano
Published: October 2023

Background:
Value-based healthcare (VBHC) aims to improve healthcare by increasing value outcomes. Our study evaluated whether personalised preoperative evaluation based on VBHC principles improves care and outcomes, thus reducing costs.
Methods: We conducted a quality improvement before-and-after study to determine the impact of VBHC on preoperative evaluation clinics in Humanitas Research Hospital.
The intervention was the implementation of a VBHC-tailored risk matrix during the postintervention phase (year 2021), and the results were compared with those of the preinterventionphase (2019).
The primary study outcome was the difference in the number of preoperative tests and visits per patient at baseline and after the intervention.
Results: A total of 9,722 patients were included: 5,242 for 2019 and 4,480 for 2021. The median age of the population was 63 (IQR: 51-72), 23% of patients were ASA 3 and 4, and 26.8% (2,955 cases) were day surgery cases. We found a considerable decrease in the number of preoperative tests ordered for each patient after the intervention [6.2 (2.5) vs 5.3 (2.6) tests, p <0.001]. The number of preoperative chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and cardiac exams decreased significantly. The length of the preoperative course was significantly shorter after the intervention [373 (136) vs 290 (157) minutes, p<0.001]. Cost analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in costs, while there was no difference in clinical outcomes.
Conclusions: We demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of a personalized approach to preoperative evaluation. The implementation of VBHC notably enhanced patient care value, as evidenced by decreased patient time in preoperative evaluation and by a reduction in unnecessary preoperative tests.
Sepsis in patients hospitalized in Sicily over the years 2016–2020: a retrospective study
Authors: Pipitò Luca , Puccio Romano , Marrali Domenico , Mancuso Alessandro , Gagliano Maria Chiara , Gaudiano Roberta , Piccione Manfredi , Iaria Chiara , Cascio Antonio
Published: October 2023

Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of in-hospital mortality and morbidity globally. Epidemiological data regarding the incidence and mortality of sepsis are scarcely available. Most reports are based on administrative. Furthermore, sepsis in non-intensive care units has been considered only in a few studies.
The present study aimed to describe the epidemiology of sepsis and related outcomes among patients hospitalized in Sicily and analyze the features associated with high mortality.
Methods: Data on the discharge forms of all patients with sepsis in all Sicilian hospitals from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected. Age, sex, comorbidities, infections, and blood alterations were evaluated using univariate analysis according to in-hospital mortality. The factors associated with mortality were included in the logistic regression model.
Results: In Sicily, 15373 hospitalizations associated with sepsis occurred from 2016 to 2020 with a mortality of 36.3%. The percentage of hospitalizations associated with sepsis represented 0.65 % of all admissions with an increase over the years. The diagnosis of septic shock was reported in 42.0%, with a mortality of 67.7%. The average cost and length of stay were EUR 8849 ± 10395 and 18 ± 22 days, respectively. Septic shock was an independent predictor of mortality. Older age was an independent predictor of mortality in adults. Klebsiella pneumoniae, aspergillosis, peritonitis, chronic respiratory failure, and hypernatremia, were independently associated with death in non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) adult patients. For paediatric patients, gastrointestinal infection was an independent predictor of mortality, and only for non-ICU hospitalizations, diabetes, and anaemia were.
Conclusions: In Sicily, sepsis is a significant cause of in-hospital mortality, especially for ICU-admitted patients and patients with septic shock. From 2016 to 2020, there was an increase in hospitalizations with sepsis, mortality associated with sepsis and septic shock diagnosis. Hospitalizations associated with sepsis presented high charges, especially for ICU-admitted and septic shock diagnoses. Septic shock was an independent predictor of mortality for all patient groups. Older age, chronic respiratory failure, peritonitis, Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, aspergillosis, and hypernatremia were associated with higher mortality in non-ICU admitted adults, while diabetes, anaemia, and gastrointestinal disease for children non-ICU admitted.
A genetic correlation analysis between addiction-related traits and chronic bowel disorders
Authors: Wen Yan , Chu Xiaoge , Li Chun’e , Shi Sirong , Cai Qingqing , He Dan , Wei Wenming , Zhang Na , Qin Xiaoyue , Zhao Yijng , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2023

Aims
Addiction is currently seen as a neuropsychiatric disorder with genetic component involved. Multiple chronic bowel disorders could exert influence on mental status including addition. This study aims to investigate the genetic correlation of addiction-related traits and chronic bowel disorders.
Methods
We extracted addiction-related traits information from UK Biobank database. We then calculated the polygenic risk score (PRS) of chronic bowel disorders (ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), UC + CD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) respectively) for each individual. A regression analysis was conducted to measure the correlation of addiction-related traits and chronic bowel disorder PRS. We further performed a linkage disequilibrium score regression to evaluated the genetic correlation of chronic bowel disorders (UC, CD) and addiction traits (alcohol dependence) in another public GWAS datasets. Lastly, a genome-wide genetic interaction study (GWGIS) was conducted to measure the interactive effects of chronic bowel disorders (UC, UC + CD) and genetic variants in addiction-related traits.
Results
Regression analysis identified positive correlation at CD PRS and “ever addicted to any substance or behavior” (P = 4.80×10− 2, beta = 0.141), CD PRS and “ever addicted to alcohol” (P = 1.90×10− 2, beta = 1.533), and UC + CD PRS and “ever addicted to alcohol” (P = 2.70×10− 2, beta = 0.882). LDSC analysis detected a significant genetic correlation at CD and alcohol dependence (P = 8.60×10− 3). GWGIS results revealed that a group of significant genetic variations, such as rs12063422 (P = 4.15×10− 6), showed interactive effect with CD PRS in alcohol addiction.
Conclusions
Our results revealed a genetic correlation between CD and alcohol addiction, which might be partly attributed to accumulated effect of a number of associated SNPs.
Molecular Dynamic Study on the Structure and Thermal Stability of Mutant Pediocin Pa-1 Designed to Contain Extra Cystein Residues
Authors: SEVİM Büşra , ALTUNTAŞ Evrim GÜNEŞ
Published: October 2023

Pediocin and pediocin-like bacteriocins are antimicrobial compounds used in the food industry owing to their remarkable thermal stability and resistance to heat. Enhancing their stability at elevated temperatures and harnessing a bacteriocin derivative molecule produced through such improvements holds promise not only in the food industry but also within the pharmaceutical sector due to their broad-spectrum potential. Although previous studies have examined the two disulfide bonds present in Pediocin PA-1, there has been no inclination to increase the number of disulfide bonds. This study aimed to design mutant peptides by introducing a third disulfide bond, in addition to the two naturally occurring ones in pediocin PA-1, and assess the thermal stability of these mutant peptides. In this study, five mutant peptides (Mut 1, Mut 2, Mut 3, Mut 4, Mut 5) with dual Cys mutations were designed. Initially, the thermal stability of these peptides across a range of temperatures (298–394 K) was evaluated through 100 nanoseconds of molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, the most stable mutant peptides (Mut 1, Mut 4, and Mut 5) were selected for further investigation. Molecular dynamics simulations lasting 300 nanoseconds were conducted and analyzed to observe the thermal stability of these structures. The analysis encompassed parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, DSSP, and SASA. The stabilization of these structures was compared with Pediocin PA-1, chosen as the reference molecule. In silico analysis revealed that the free Cys residues did not form a third disulfide bond. Furthermore, most mutants (Mut 1, Mut 5), including the reference structure, exhibited a loss of their helical structure, which is known to be crucial for antimicrobial activity, and the disruption of one of the naturally occurring disulfide bonds at high temperatures. Conversely, Mut 4 retained two disulfide bonds even at elevated temperatures, preserved its helical structure, and demonstrated a thermal stability profile similar to that of Pediocin PA-1. The findings of this study suggest that Mut 4, a highly stable peptide, may represent an exceptionally heat-resistant antimicrobial alternative, contingent upon further analysis to confirm its activity.
Findings from private lands prescribed fire workshops in the Sierra Nevada, California
Authors: Wilkin Kate Marie , Stasiewicz Amanda M , Kocher Susan D.
Published: October 2023

Background
Globally, prescribed fire political interest and practice was rekindled following recent devastating wildfire seasons. This phenomena was especially acute in areas with dual wildfire and forest health crises, like California. Previous research seeks to understand prescribed fire on public lands or on private lands in other regions, but little is known about prescribed fire practice or interest on private lands in California. Therefore, we sought to understand private land managers’ perceptions of prescribed fire and other land management techniques, treatment pathways, motivations, and barriers to complete these treatments in California.
Results
Before the workshop, we surveyed participants in 6 prescribed fires on private lands workshops in the Central Sierra Nevada from 2018 to 2019 (N = 172). We found that participants “want to use” piles and broadcast prescribed fires more than other land management treatments. There was also a strong interest in mechanical treatments in contrast to low interest in grazing. Some participants had “heard about” and “want to use” some pathways to apply prescribed fire on their lands, including government programs, contractors, friends and family, and Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs). People had multiple objectives for their prescribed fire goals, and the majority wanted to promote ecosystem health e.g. reduce fire hazards, foster natural land health, and reduce invasive plants. Perceived barriers were greatest for safety, cost, and resources while fewer participants perceived permits as a barrier.
Conclusion
Participants are in the early stages of considering using prescribed fire and would like to burn small areas, potentially to build confidence and skills. At this stage, there is strong interest in using prescribed fire on private lands, and some perceived best pathways and barriers are unique from prescribed fire practice on public lands. At the same time, private and public land managers share a common motivation to promote ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk and impacts.
Deep Fascial Space Infection and Localized Acute Apical Abscess: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Assessment
Authors: Gallegos John , Tahmasbi Mehrnaz , Jalali Poorya
Published: October 2023

Objectives
Variability in the clinical and radiographic presentation of acute apical abscess (AAA) exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate anatomical differences and patterns of bone loss in patients with AAA clinically presenting as a localized swelling or with concomitant fascial space involvement using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.
Materials and Methods
Thirty CBCT images of AAA cases presenting with fascial space involvement (FSI) and 31 cases of AAA presenting with a localized swelling (LAAA) were evaluated. Factors that were recorded and compared included the presence/absence of cortical disruption, the distance of the involved tooth apex to the buccal and lingual/palatal cortex, the length of the anatomic root/s of the involved tooth, and the volume of the endodontic lesions.
Results
The median for the volume of the lesions were 138 mm3 for the FSI group and 154 mm3 for the LAAA group (p > 0.05). Radiographic evidence of cortical disruption was seen in 26.7% of the cases with FSI and 41.9% of the cases with LAAA (p > 0.05). The mean root length was 12.3 mm for the FSI group and 12.4 mm for LAAA group (p > 0.05). The mean for distance of the apex to the buccal cortex was the only statistically significant difference between the two groups and was 4.2 mm for the FSI group and 3 mm for the LAAA group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
CBCT assessment showed root apices associated with fascial space involvement tended to be more confined in cancellous bone. Though a significant difference between the 2 conditions was found, the inflammatory process is complex, and CBCT assessment alone cannot predict AAA remaining as a localized swelling versus spreading to fascial spaces.
Clinical Significance:
Emergency room visits for odontogenic infections are a burden on the healthcare system. Anatomical differences and radiographic patterns of bony lesions could be used in determining the tendency of cases with acute apical abscess toward forming a localized swelling or progressing into fascial space infection.
Ultrasound-based radiomics score to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence
Authors: Fan Wei , Cui Hao , Wang Panting , Zuo Xiaoxuan , Hu Nana , Liu Xiaoxue , Li Qingxiang , Zhang Xudong , Tian Jiawei , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2023

Background To develop a radiomics model based on ultrasound images for predicting recurrence risk in breast cancer patients. Methods In this retrospective study, 420 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer were included. According to St. Gallen risk criteria, patients were categorised into low-medium and high-risk recurrence groups. All patients were randomly assigned to training and test cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics features were extracted from a radiomics analysis set using Pyradiomics. The informative radiomics features were screened using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms. Subsequently, radiomics models were constructed with seven machine learning algorithms. Three distinct nomogram models were created using the features selected through multivariate logistic regression, including the clinic-ultrasound (Clin-US), clinic-radiomics (Clin-Rad), and clinic-ultrasound-radiomics (Clin-US-Rad) models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were used to evaluate the model’s clinical applicability and predictive performance. Results Overall, 12 ultrasound radiomics features were screened, such as wavelet.LHL_firstorder_median, original_shape_majoraxislength, square_glszm_graylevelcariance, etc. The higher the risk of recurrence, the higher the radiomics score (Rad-score) in training and test cohorts (bothp < 0.05). According to the above screening features, we selected seven different classifiers, among which logistic regression was used to establish the best radiomics model. In the test cohort, the Clin-US-Rad model performed best and had the highest significant areaunder the curve (AUC) values (AUC = 0.873) compared to the Clin-Rad and Clin-US models. The calibration and DCA curves also demonstrated the combined model’s good clinical utility. Conclusions The ultrasound radiomics features were useful for predicting the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The nomograms developed by the above-described features are reliable tools for assessing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Causal relationships of circulating Gal-3 levels to osteoarthritis risk: a Mendelian randomized study
Authors: zhang jinfeng , Zhang Zhaoliang , Shang Peng , Song Haobo , Zhang Hua , Wang Chengliang , Jia Junqing
Published: October 2023

Background: Numerous animal and in vitro human chondrocyte studies have highlighted galectin-3 (Gal-3) as a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), but there is little supporting evidence from human studies. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to further explore the relationship between Gal-3 levels in human circulation and OA.
Methods: Instrumental variables were obtained from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The OA data in the two samples Mendelian randomization (MR) came from the GWAS catalog database. The remaining data were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) OpenGWAS database. Firstly, two-sample (MR) analysis was used to evaluate the association between Gal-3 levels and OA. Secondly, the causal relationship between circulating Gal-3 levels and obesity was studied using bidirectional two-sample MR. Thirdly, mediated MR was used to analyze whether the effect of circulating Gal-3 levels on the KOA predicted by genes was mediated by obesity.
Results: Gal-3 levels were correlated with increased risk of KOA and HOA. Bidirectional MR analysis showed that a genetic predisposition to circulating Gal-3 levels was associated with increased risk of obesity, while a genetic predisposition to obesity was not associated with circulating Gal-3 levels. Mediated MR analysis suggested that waist circumference (WC) played a mediating role in the occurrence of KOA as a function of circulating Gal-3 levels.
Conclusions: There is a causal relationship between Gal-3 levels and the occurrence of KOA and HOA, and its effect on KOA is mediated by WC to a certain extent.
Posttraumatic Growth in a Nursing Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Levine Heidi , McCann-Pineo Molly , Li Timmy , Bellehsen Mayer , Thomas Lily , Cook Haley M. , Corley Samantha , Yacht Andrew , Schwartz Rebecca M.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND – Few studies have assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) in nursing populations during the pandemic. Literature is mixed regarding the moderating effect of support. The study's purpose was to evaluate the impact of negative occupational experiences (NOE) on posttraumatic growth and the potential moderating role of various supports among a sample of nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS – A self-report longitudinal survey was sent to nursing staff within a large health system. Only baseline data (Fall 2022) were analyzed for this study. Linear regression modeling was used.
RESULTS –816 nursing staff participated. After adjusting for covariates, NOE and organizational support were associated with a moderate increase in PTG. Resilience was found to moderate the relationship between NOE and PTG in a simple interaction model.
CONCLUSION – Given the association between NOE and PTG, fostering PTG in the context of occupational stress may be important to preserving mental health among nursing staff.
Characteristics and functions of rhizosphere bacterial communities of C. sinensis cv. Shifocui tea tree with cold resistance characteristics in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Shi Shuiqin , Ge Mengrui , Xiong Yan , Zhang Yixun , Li Wenhui , Wang Jianfen , He Enhui , Liu Zhimuzi , Zhou Duoqi
Published: October 2023

The rhizosphere microbial community of plants has a crucial effect on healthy plant growth, and each rhizosphere has a specific microbial community. C. sinensis cv. Shifocui is a tea plant distributed in the Dabie Mountains of Anhui Province. It has the characteristics of high yield, good quality, strong cold resistance, and a high amino acid content. This study was the first to use 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics methods to explore the characteristics and functions of the rhizosphere bacterial community of the cold-tolerant tea tree C. sinensis cv. Shifocui, providing an important basis for the development and utilization of rhizosphere microbial resources. The dominant phylum in the rhizosphere microbes of the C.sinensiscv. Shifocui rhizosphere microorganisms were Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteria. Network analysis showed significant positive and negative correlations among the rhizosphere bacterial groups of C.sinensiscv. Shifocui, among which Candidatus_Xiphinematobacter, Acidobacteriale, Bradyrhizobium, Subgroup_2, Candidatus_Udaeobacter, Gemmataceae, and Gaiellales were notable nodes in the interaction networks. Functional prediction of FAPROTAX indicated that C. sinensis cv. Shifocui was rich in chemoheterotrophic, cellulose hydrolysis, and oxidative heterotrophic conditions, indicating that the dominant bacterial flora was enriched in its rhizosphere microbes and played an important role in plant growth and development.These results lay a foundation for exploring the mechanism of interaction between C.sinensiscv. Shifocui and rhizosphere microorganisms and provide a research basis for the development and utilization of tea plant microbial resources.
Mind wandering and daydreaming, are they different?
Authors: Li Halleyson , Hills Thomas
Published: October 2023

Mind wandering and daydreaming reflect non-deliberate and deliberate forms of mental exploration. However, it is not yet known to what extent the kinds of things that come to mind during these exploratory events are similar or different. The current research addresses this question by having participants engage in either a mindfulness task or a daydreaming task, with instructions to self-report novel thoughts as they occurred. Participants were then asked to rate their thoughts on valence, time orientation (past/present/future), and reality orientation (imaginary vs. real). Additionally, their emotional state was assessed using the Emotion Recall Task and PANAS questionnaire. Daydreaming produced a significantly greater number of thoughts compared to mind wandering. Daydreaming thoughts were also more positively valenced and future-oriented. Approximately 25% of thoughts were rated as imaginary, and this did not differ between mind wandering and daydreaming. However, an increase in future thinking was associated with a higher number of imaginary thoughts. Thought valence was predicted by both PANAS and ERT. These results suggest that mind wandering and daydreaming, while sharing many similarities, produce different kinds of thoughts and are not interchangeable.
The Demand for Public Health Academies: What the Creation of an Academy During a Pandemic Has Taught Us
Authors: Tabche Celine , Rawaf Salman , Aloraini Muhannad Sulaiman , Jumah Mohammed Al
Published: October 2023

Public Health Academies are crucial in promoting public health practice through research and education aligned with public health competencies. These academies facilitate collaboration among health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to address disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare improvement. They offer resources for public education on health topics, evidence-based programs, and advocacy for policy changes. A Public Health Academy aims to enhance workforce training and deliver health-related targets for specific regions, catering to health, social care, government, and non-governmental organisations. This paper outlines the strategic development of a Public Health Academy, encompassing benchmarking, situational analysis, and the establishment of a vision, mission, and strategy. The development process involves identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), addressing gaps through structured training programs, and creating a comprehensive strategy document incorporating organisational structure, governance, financial planning, learning models, operational plans, and policies. Despite challenges, the Academy aims to improve public health outcomes, address evolving health landscapes, and provide quality education to professionals. This paper details a case study of creating the first Public Health Academy backed by a governing organisation in the Arab world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in advancing public health capabilities.
Spatial Transmission Network Analysis of the COVID-19 Outbreak in a Megacity: A Study Based on 2994 Affected Locations in Xi'an in 2021
Authors: Chen Zheng , Yang Zhangbo , Wang Qin
Published: October 2023

Utilizing patient trajectory data from 2050 case text documents, we constructed a location-contact network to analyze the spatial transmission of the late 2021 COVID-19 outbreak in a megacity of China. Employing complex network analysis, we had several significant findings. The network exhibited 266 components, indicating a relatively sparse network density. Notably, locations with a higher risk of transmission encompassed universities, convenience stores, agricultural markets, and restaurants. Moreover, we applied a network immunization strategy to simulate the impact of lockdowns at various location types on virus spread. Our results show that lock down "shops" and "restaurants" can significantly diminish network connectivity.
Energy poverty and household welfare: evidence in Togo
Authors: LITAABA-AKILA Djinta , Koriko Moubarak , EZIN Yéhomè Afi
Published: October 2023

This paper assesses the effects of energy poverty on household welfare in Togo. To achieve this objective, this paper uses firstly the logit method to assess the determinants of energy poverty and the two least squares method to analyze its impact on household welfare and data from the Harmonized Household Living Conditions Survey (EHCVM, 2018). Our results show that energy poverty reduces household welfare: a 1% increase in energy poverty is associated with a 0.27% decrease in welfare. This general finding is robust to other ways of measuring well-being and energy poverty. Furthermore, we find that educational attainment is an important channel through which energy poverty reduces well-being. Our results underscore the need for policy decisions to address energy poverty, especially when it comes to improving household welfare.
JEL: I31, I32, O13, Q41
Ostracods response to environmental anthropogenic disruption in a neotropical karstic lake in southern Mexico
Authors: Chávez-Lara Claudia Magali , Caballero Margarita , Prado Blanca
Published: October 2023

Ostracods are highly sensitive to environmental changes and represent a powerful tool to assess anthropogenic impact. In this work we present ostracod and ephippium records of Lake San Lorenzo sediments dating from 1956 to 2013. Diatom and geochemical data presented by Caballero et al. (2022) are also considered for the discussion. The ostracod assemblage consists of Darwinula stevensoni, Cypridopsis okeechobei, Cytheridella ilosvayi and two unidentified species. We suggest that one of them could be a variant of C. okeechobei with different ornamentation developed as a response of increasing salinity caused by anthropogenic catchment disruption around 1981. The second unidentified species (Unknown 2) could belong to the Subfamily Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900. This species rapidly adapted to the new environmental conditions of enhanced salinity, high nutrients level and variable oxygen, whereas the other ostracods were absent in the sediments dating from 1982 to 1992. Overall, D. stevensoni, C. okeechobei and C. ilosvayi are benthic species that occur in shallow waters or littoral zones with rich vegetation. However, we suggest C. ilosvayi was the most sensitive to oxygen variations as it is only present in the record in 1978. The lack of ostracod preservation in the sedimentary record, especially during 1995–2013 could be result of anoxic lake bottom conditions or dissolution caused by high organic matter content during periods of anthropogenic catchment disturbance, from 1970–1985 and from 1990–2000. Finally, we suggest analysis of C. okeechobei in natural populations and laboratory studies need to be assessed to determine if this species develops ornamentation changes when salinity conditions increase. Moreover, analysis and description of soft parts and live specimens of Unknown 2 will be necessary to determine this species.
Gated Fusion Adaptive Graph Neural Network for Urban Road Traffic Flow Prediction
Authors: Xiong Liyan , Yuan Xinhua , Hu Zhuyi , Huang Xiaohui , Huang Peng
Published: October 2023

Accurate prediction of traffic flow plays an important role in maintaining traffic order and traffic safety, which is a key task in the application of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). However, the urban road network has complex dynamic spatial correlation and nonlinear temporal correlation, and achieving accurate traffic flow prediction is a highly challenging task. Traditional methods use sensors deployed on roads to construct the spatial structure of the road network and capture spatial information by graph convolution. However, they ignore that the spatial correlation between nodes is dynamically changing, and using a fixed adjacency matrix cannot reflect the real road spatial structure. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a new spatial-temporal deep learning model: gated fusion adaptive graph neural network (GFAGNN). GFAGNN first extracts long-term dependencies on raw data through stacking expansion causal convolution, Then the spatial features of the dynamics are learned by adaptive graph attention network and adaptive graph convolutional network respectively, Finally the fused information is passed through a lightweight channel attention to extract temporal features. The experimental results on two public data sets show that our model can effectively capture the spatiotemporal correlation in traffic flow prediction. Compared with GWNET-conv model on METR-LA dataset, the three indexes in the 60-minute task prediction improved by 2.27%,2.06% and 2.13%, respectively.
Fabrication of graphene oxide /Cadmium sulphide quantum dots electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of dopamine and tyrosine
Authors: Mohammed Hasheena , Annapragada Ratnamala , Mohammed Noorjahaan , Gavini Deepthi Reddy , Trukhanov Alex , Trukhanov Sergei
Published: October 2023

The present study we report the fabrication of GO-CdS quantum dots modified on glassy carbon electrode (GO-CdS/GCE) and is applied to monitor the levels of dopamine and tyrosine using electrochemical signal enhancement. GO-CdS quantum dots were prepared by using ultrasonication method followed by hydrothermal synthesis in a facile approach. The prepared quantum dots were analyzed by XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, TEM and pore size distribution methods. The fabricated sensor performance was investigated by Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic voltammetry(CV) and Chronoamperometric methods. The results showed excellent selectivity and sensitivity with limit of detection of dopamine was observed to be 24nM.
Hitchhiking actions: Erroneous saccade co-execution is independent of stimulus-response translation ease
Authors: Kürten Jens , Raettig Tim , Huestegge Lynn
Published: October 2023

Recent multiple action control studies have demonstrated difficulties with single-action (vs. dual-action) execution when accompanied by the requirement to inhibit a prepotent additional response. Such a dual-action performance benefit is typically characterized by frequent erroneous co-executions of the currently unwarranted response. Here, we investigated whether the frequency of inhibitory failures is affected by the ease of stimulus-response (S-R) translation. Participants switched between executing a single saccade, a single manual button press, and a saccadic-manual dual action on a trial-by-trial basis. We measured inhibitory failures in single action trials (e.g., saccades executed in single manual trials). Importantly, we employed three different stimulus modes that varied in S-R translation ease (peripheral square > central arrow > central shape). This hierarchy was reflected by increasing RT levels. Critically, however, the frequency of saccadic inhibitory failures was not affected by S-R translation ease. Our results rule out explanations related to capacity conflicts (between inhibitory control and S-R translation demands) as well as accounts related to the time available for the completion of inhibitory processes. Instead, the findings suggest an “action hitchhiker effect” based on enhanced activation of the oculomotor system, eventually yielding the execution of unwarranted, holistic dual-action compounds.
Translating GWAS Findings to Inform Drug Repositioning Strategies for COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Tsai Ming-Ju , Jeong Sohyun , Yu Fangtang , Chen Ting-Fu , Li Peng-Hsuan , Juan Hsueh-Fen , Huang Jia-Hsin , Hsu Yi-Hsiang
Published: October 2023

We developed a computational framework that integrates Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and post-GWAS analyses, designed to facilitate drug repurposing for COVID-19 treatment. The comprehensive approach combines transcriptomic-wide associations, polygenic priority scoring, 3D genomics, viral-host protein-protein interactions, and small-molecule docking. Through GWAS, we identified nine druggable host genes associated with COVID-19 severity and SARS-CoV-2 infection, all of which show differential expression in COVID-19 patients. These genes include IFNAR1, IFNAR2, TYK2, IL10RB, CXCR6, CCR9, and OAS1. We performed an extensive molecular docking analysis of these targets using 553 small molecules derived from five therapeutically enriched categories, namely antibacterials, antivirals, antineoplastics, immunosuppressants, and anti-inflammatories. This analysis, which comprised over 20,000 individual docking analyses, enabled the identification of several promising drug candidates. All results are available via the DockCoV2 database (https://dockcov2.org/drugs/). The computational framework ultimately identified nine potential drug candidates: Peginterferon alfa-2b, Interferon alfa-2b, Interferon beta-1b, Ruxolitinib, Dactinomycin, Rolitetracycline, Irinotecan, Vinblastine, and Oritavancin. While its current focus is on COVID-19, our proposed computational framework can be applied more broadly to assist in drug repurposing efforts for a variety of diseases. Overall, this study underscores the potential of human genetic studies and the utility of a computational framework for drug repurposing in the context of COVID-19 treatment, providing a valuable resource for researchers in this field.
Mechanisms involved in the positive effects of high zinc on growth of Sedum alfredii
Authors: Gao Yuxiao , Yu Haiyue , Lin Haizhong , Lu Lingli
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, and excessive Zn in the soil can inhibit normal plant growth, adversely affecting plant health.Sedum alfrediiHance, a native Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator plant species in China, has strong tolerance and ability to accumulate heavy metals. Previous studies have reported that Zn may have a positive effect onS. alfrediigrowth, rather than causing toxicity. Thus, exploring the growth-promoting mechanisms of high Zn concentrations onS. alfrediimay provide a theoretical reference for phytoremediation technologies.Methods:In this study, the hyperaccumulating ecotype (HE) and non-hyperaccumulating ecotype (NHE) ofS. alfrediias research subjects, we used metabolomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics techniques to explore.Results:At 250 μM Zn, HE root biomass and Zn concentration in roots increased, while being reduced in NHE. Nano-XRF analysis showed that Zn was located in the cortical intercellular space in HE roots, whereas Zn was scattered in the root cells in NHE. The content of auxin in HE roots was increased by 1.26 times and the auxin oxidase activity decreased by 2.94 times after exposure to 100 μM Zn for 12 h, while NHE exhibited the opposite trend. Transcriptomic results showed that HE up-regulated genes were related to carbohydrate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, carbon fixation, and tryptophan biosynthesis; down-regulated genes were related to lipid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism.Conclusion:We further screened key gene resources, laying a foundation for the molecular mechanism underlying the positive effect of high Zn concentration on HE growth.
Monitoring root rot in flat-leaf parsley via machine vision by unsupervised multivariate analysis of morphometric and spectral parameters
Authors: Agarwal Avinash , Colwell Filipe de Jesus , Rogdriguez Julian Bello , Sommer Sarah , Galvis Viviana Andrea Correa , Hill Tom , Boonham Neil , Prashar Ankush
Published: October 2023

Use of vertical farms is increasing rapidly as it enables year-round crop production, made possible by fully controlled growing environments situated within supply chains. However, intensive planting and high relative humidity make such systems ideal for the proliferation of fungal pathogens. Thus, despite the use of bio-fungicides and enhanced biosecurity measures, contamination of crops does happen, leading to extensive crop loss, necessitating the use of high-throughput monitoring for early detection of infected plants. In the present study, progression of foliar symptoms caused by Pythium irregulare-induced root rot was monitored for flat-leaf parsley grown in an experimental hydroponic vertical farming setup. Structural and spectral changes in plant canopy were recorded non-invasively at regular intervals using a 3D multispectral scanner. Five morphometric and nine spectral features were selected, and different combinations of these features were subjected to multivariate data analysis via principal component analysis to identify temporal trends for early disease detection. Combining morphometric and spectral features enabled a clear segregation of healthy and diseased plants at 4–7 days post inoculation (DPI), whereas use of only morphometric or spectral features allowed this at 7–9 DPI. Minimal datasets combining the six most effective features also resulted in effective grouping of healthy and diseased plants at 4–7 DPI. This suggests that selectively combining morphometric and spectral features can enable accurate early identification of infected plants, thus creating the scope for improving high-throughput crop monitoring in vertical farms.
Socio-economic Determinants of Gender-based Violence [GBV]: SDG Analytics on the Global GBV Scenario With Special Reference to Technology Facilitated Gender-based Violence and Adolescent Birth Rates
Authors: Daniel Chandra Pauline , Block Adam , Knapp Kenneth , Immanuel Gifty
Published: October 2023

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a multifaceted problem. The most rapidly increasing modern form of violence is the intertwined epidemic of ‘Technology Facilitated GBV’ and sexual violence against women and girls. It was critical to understand the impact of technology and COVID-19 pandemic, on GBV exposures for the year 2021. A retrospective cross-sectional research design was adopted using linear regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) on SDG 5.2 with a set of global indicators, to elicit the socioeconomic determinants of GBV. Phase-I results exposed the top-four socio-economic determinants of GBV: Gender Development Index, Gross National Income, Human Development Index and Gender Inequality Index. Phase-II results indicated that the unethical use of technology was highest among the urban male internet users. The ICT-progress increased the incidence of TF GBV due to unethical use of technology. Phase-III:A country-specific case study on Mexico revealed the efficiency of utilizing an inter-agency approach, advocacy and legislation, to control digital violence and adolescent birth-rates. Phase-IV: Predictive analytics applied on SDG 5.2 led to the development of a GBV prevention business model and TF GBV disruptor strategy. In conclusion, women and girls, the key populations and female population living with disabilities, were most vulnerable and disproportionately impacted by GBV. The ICT progress was found to increase vulnerabilities and impact global health and productivity. There is an immediate need to empower women and girls, enhance economic autonomy, integrate holistic interagency interventions, mitigate cybersecurity threats with a sustained monitoring effort to eliminate digital and sexual violence against women and girls, by 2030.
Light and shadow of Watch-and-wait strategy in rectal cancer. Oncological result, clinical outcomes after salvage surgery and cost effectiveness analysis. Experience of a single centre.
Authors: Ferri Valentina , Vicente Emilio , Quijano Yolanda , Duran Hipolito , Diaz Eduardo , Fabra Isabel , Malave Luis , Ruiz Pablo , Costantini Giulia , Pizzuti Giada , Cubillo Antonio , Rubio Maria Carmen , Canamaques Lina Garcia , Alfonsel Javier Nunez , Caruso Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Background: Watch and wait strategy is a potential option for patients with rectal cancer that obtain a complete clinic response after neoadjuvant therapy.
The aim of this study is to analyse long-term oncological outcomes and perform a cost-effectiveness analysis in patients undergoing Watch and wait strategy for rectal cancer.
Material and Methods: Data of patients treated with Watch and Wait strategy were prospectively collected from January 2015 to January 2020. A control group was created, matched 1:1 from a pool of 480 patients undergoing total mesorectal excision . An independent company carried out the financial analysis.
Clinical and oncological outcomes were analysed in both groups. Outcome parameters included surgical and follow-up costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the incremental cost per QALY gained or the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).
Results: 40 patients were included in the WW group and 40 patients in the surgical group. During a median follow-up period of 36 months, metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar in the two groups. In the WW group, 9 (22%)local regrowthwere detected in the first two years. The permanent stoma rate was slightly higher after salvage surgery in the WW group compared to the upfront surgical group (48.5% vs 20%, p<0.01). The cost-effectiveness analysis was slightly better for the WW group especially in low rectal cancer with respect to medium-high rectal cancer (ICER= -108642.1 vs ICER= -42423).
Conclusions: WW strategy in locally advanced rectal cancer offers similar oncological outcomes respect to the surgical group and excellent result in quality of life and cost, especially in low rectal cancer. Nonetheless salvage surgery may by characterized by desfavorable functional outcome. Therefore a careful selection of patients is mandatory.
Development and validation of a nomogram for surgical site infection after gastrectomy in gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Yiyun , Yang Guoyuan , Huang Yalong , Lin Hao , Ma Xiaolong , Ma Yuqi , Ma Yuntao
Published: October 2023

Background
One of the most frequent problems following surgery for stomach cancer is surgical site infection (SSI). Still, a major difficulty is figuring out how to anticipate it and prevent it. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for SSI after gastric cancer surgery and to develop an individualized predictive nomogram.
Method
Data were collected from 763 gastric cancer patients after surgery in Gansu Provincial People's Hospital and the First Hospital of Lanzhou University (601 cases in the training cohort and 162 cases in the validation cohort). The risk variables of postoperative surgical site infection in gastric cancer were identified using logistic regression, and a nomogram was created.
Result
Factor analysis showed that age (P = 0.002), operation time (P < 0.001), operation method (P < 0.001), total gastrectomy (P = 0.013), and tumor diameter (P = 0.017) were independent predictors of SSI. The area under the curve of the nomogram training cohort and validation cohort constructed based on the above factors were 0.834 and 0.798, respectively. calibration plots in the validation cohort based on the five predictors showed good agreement between the actual probability and the probability predicted by the column line graph. The model provided good fit and calibration in decision curve analysis with positive net benefit.
Conclusions
This nomogram has good predictive ability for postoperative SSI in gastric cancer. It can serve as a guide for choosing surgical techniques and perioperative care, and it can offer patients tailored and accurate care.
A feed direction cutting force prediction model and analysis for ceramic matrix composites C/SiC based on rotary ultrasonic profile milling
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Saleem Waqas , Rathore Muhammad Faisal , Li Qilin , Israr Asif
Published: October 2023

Ceramic matrix composites have immense applications in the aerospace, aircraft, automobile, and defense industries. Carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (C/SiC) are used for critical applications due to their superior properties. However, these materials have stringent heterogeneity, anisotropy, and varying thermal properties that affect machining quality and process efficiency. Developing a cutting force prediction model and analyzing machining parameters is essential. In this study, a mechanistic-based feed direction cutting force prediction model for rotary ultrasonic profile milling of C/SiC composites is developed and validated experimentally. The practical and simulated results closely matched each other. The mean error and the standard deviation were recorded at 1.358% and 6.003, respectively. The parametric sensitivity analysis showed that the cutting force decreased with increased cutting speed, whereas the same increased with increased feed rate and depth of cut. The proposed cutting force for rotary ultrasonic profile milling of C/SiC composites can be applied to predict cutting forces and optimize the machining process.
Analysis and Simulation of Improved Seismic Data using Adaptive Processing by National Data Centre Iraq
Authors: Shamkhi Yasameen Hameed , Mahmood Mohammed Shakir , Salman Mohammed Oudah
Published: October 2023

All States Parties have convenient access to all International Monitoring System (IMS) data, International Data Center (IDC) products, and all applications and scientific studies programs used in the IDC of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Integrating machine learning with seismic exploration is crucial for obtaining accurate and essential information about subsurface formations' stratigraphic structure, lithology, and porosity. However, there still needs to be a clear understanding of which algorithm produces the most accurate earthquake detection. Consequently, this study aims to perform a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of LSTM, CNN, MLP, and SVM algorithms in earthquake detection. This study has used various earthquake datasets from Arabian Sea earthquake seismic event on 26 October 2022 at 23:00:07 which was detected by two IMS monitoring technologies and non-IMS which is implemented in this work is the inclusion of analysis data using HA1 IMS (hydroacoustic station) with event location integration with seismic data for stations near that seismic event. As well as seismic event which was also studied and evaluated in Turkey, detected by IMS and non-IMS stations in IRIS on 23 November 2022 at 01:08:15 and analyzed the performance of each algorithm on these datasets by applying numerous performance metrics related to accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and others. The output performance results have demonstrated that the CNN network outperforms all other algorithms. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature on digital signal processing techniques employed in the analysis and detection of seismic waves.