bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lociq: A Loci-Seeking Approach for Enhanced Plasmid Subtyping and Structural Characterization
Authors: Harrison Lucas , Zhao Shaohua , Li Cong , McDermott Patrick , Tyson Gregory , Strain Errol
Published: January 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring for public health is relying more on whole genome sequencing to characterize and compare resistant strains. This requires new approaches to describe and track AMR that take full advantage of the detailed data provided by genomic technologies. Tracking the plasmid-mediated spread of AMR genes is a primary concern for AMR monitoring. Sequence rearrangements can integrate new AMR genes into the plasmid backbone or promote hybridization of multiple plasmids. To better monitor plasmid evolution and dissemination, we developed a subtyping method to classify plasmids by variations in the sequence and arrangement of core plasmid genetic elements. This method generates multiple typing schema that both cluster related plasmids and characterize individual plasmids. This method provides an alpha-numeric nomenclature for plasmid subtyping to denominate plasmid diversity across multiple plasmid families. The Lociq method generates typing schema to track and characterize the origin, evolution and epidemiology of multidrug resistant plasmids.
QTL Mapping of Adult-Plant Resistance to Leaf and Stripe Rust in Wheat Cross L224-3/Zhengzhou5389
Authors: Li Zaifeng , Zhou Yue , Gao Pu , Miao Xiao-yan , Jiao Yue , Zhang Pei-pei , Cao Liu-qing
Published: January 2023

Wheat leaf rust and stripe rust are important diseases worldwide. Breading resistant cultivars is an effective means to control wheat leaf and stripe rust. Wheat line L224-3 currently has high resistance to wheat leaf and stripe rust in the field. In this study, 166 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the L224-3 × Zhengzhou 5389 cross were used to map quantitative trait locus (QTL) for leaf and stripe rust resistance. The population and two parents were phenotyped for leaf rust severity at Baoding in Hebei province and Zhoukou in Henan province in the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 cropping seasons, and stripe rust severity at Baoding in Hebei Province and Mianyang in Sichuan Province in the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 growth seasons. The population and parents were also genotyped with the 660K SNP array and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to screen for potential polymorphic markers associated with rust resistance. Four QTLs on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 4B and 7B, respectively, were detected using inclusive composite interval mapping (IciMapping). QLr.hbau-1A/QYr.hbau-1A, derived from susceptible parent Zhengzhou 5389, was pleiotropic for both leaf rust and stripe rust resistance and maybe a novel QTL. The second QTL on 2A in L224-3 for leaf and stripe rust resistance was the known gene Lr37/Yr17. QLr.hbau-4B/QYr.hbau-4B might be a new locus for leaf and stripe rust resistance. The last QTL for stripe rust resistance, tentatively designated as QYr.hbau-7B, was detected on 7B, and more tests are needed to confirm whether it is a new QTL. The QTL identified by their flanking markers in the present study could be used for candidate gene mining and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding programs for rust resistance.
A Novel Mutation in Rnf216 Gene in a Turkish Case With Gordon Holmes Syndrome
Authors: ÇELİK Nazlı DURMAZ , Erzurumluoğlu Ebru , Özben Serkan , Toprak Uğur , Yorulmaz Göknur , Artan Sevilhan , Özkan Serhat
Published: January 2023

Background: Gordon Holmes syndrome (GHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cognitive decline, and cerebellar ataxia. Mutations in the Ring Finger Protein 216 (RNF216) gene have been known to be associated with GHS therewithal RNF216 mutations have been detected in cases with Huntington-like disease, 4H syndrome (hypodontia, hypomyelination, ataxia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Case Presentation: Here we report a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in RNF216 gene c.1860_1861dupCT (p.Cys621SerfsTer56) in a patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, ataxia, and cognitive decline diagnosed with GHS also co-occurrence of parkinsonism and dystonia which was not reported before.
Conclusions: We report an extremely rare case of GHS. The core features of GHS are well defined, but genotype-phenotype correlations are still limited. To understand the pathophysiology of different phenotypes, the type and localization of novel mutations need to be defined, and the effect of these different variants on clinical features needs to be determined. Further studies should explain the factors of phenotypic variability present in GHS patients with RNF216 mutations.
Transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy in cancer detection rate for patients with gray-zone prostate-specific antigen: a multicenter, real-world study
Authors: Liu Junxiao , Niu Shaoxi , Wang Zeyuan , Sai Xiaoyong , Zhang Xuepei , Zhang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: January 2023

Background: The knowledge about the effect of different prostate biopsy approaches on the prostate cancer detection rate (CDR) for patients with gray-zone PSA is limited. We aimed to compare CDR in different biopsy approaches for patients with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the gray zone.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we identified 228 patients receiving transrectal prostate biopsy (TRB) compared with 216 receiving transperineal prostate biopsy (TPB) between 2016 and 2022. We also identified 110 patients receiving additional targeted biopsies following the systematic TPB. Clinical parameters were recorded, including age, PSA derivates, prostate volume (PV), and needle cores. Data was fitted into a propensity score matching (PSM), adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: TPB outperformed TRB in CDR (49.6% vs. 28.3%, P = 0.001). The clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) detection rate showed no significant difference between TPB and TRB (78.6% vs. 68.8%, P = 0.306). In stratified analysis, TPB outperformed TRB in CDR when the age of patients was 65-75 years (59.0 % vs. 22.0%, P < 0.001), when PV was 25-50ml (63.2% vs. 28.3%, P < 0.001), and when needle cores were no more than 12 (58.5% vs. 31.4%, P = 0.005). The CDR (P = 0.712) and the detection rate of CSPCa (P = 0.993) showed no significant difference among systematic, targeted, and combined biopsies.
Conclusion: TPB outperformed TRB in CDR for patients with gray-zone PSA. However, targeted biopsy added no additional benefits following systematic TPB.
Exogenously applied silicon and zinc mitigates salt stress by improving leaf pigments and antioxidant activities in canola cultivars
Authors: Ahmad Zahoor , Khaliq Ayesha , Waraich Ejaz Ahmad , Artyszak Arkadiusz , Zaman Qamar uz , Abbasi Asim , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Alharby Hesham F. , Almaghamsi Afaf A. , Qamar Muhammad Javid
Published: January 2023

Globally, climate change and global warming induced salt stress is intensifying rapidly which has resulted in food supply constraints. The exogenous application of zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) might serve as potent strategy to boost productivity of oil seed crops including canola, however research gaps exist regarding their dose optimization. A trial was conducted with an aim to determine the phenotypic divergence among canola cultivars under varying doses of Zn and Si applied solely and in conjunction with each other. The trail was comprised of two promising cultivars of canola (Sandal and Rachna) and seven foliar treatments including control, Si = 35 ppm, Si = 70 ppm, Zn = 35 ppm, Zn = 70 ppm, Si + Zn = 35 ppm and Si + Zn = 70 ppm applied under two level of salinity stress (SS). Different morphological and physiological traits of canola cultivars were taken as response variables. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with factorial arrangement was used with three replications. The results revealed that SS adversely affected the leaf pigment and shoot length along with their fresh and dry weights, while antioxidant activities were increased especially under exogenous application of Si + Zn = 70 ppm. Additionally, root length (11.17 cm) and their fresh (2.63 g) and dry weights (0.78 g) were enhanced with the increasing SS level. Moreover, canola cv. Sandal outperformed in terms for shoot-root length and their fresh and dry weight as well as the leaf pigments contents. The co-application of Si + Zn = 70 ppm exhibited the highest shoot-root length (17.64 cm − 16.47 cm) and their fresh (2.60 g − 1.89 g) as well as dry weight (0.73 g − 0.29 g).The same treatment combination resulted in the maximum leaf pigments such as chlorophyll a (6.63 g/mg FW), chlorophyll b (4.37 g/mg FW) and total carotenoids content (2.38 g/mg FW).
Integrated study of HR-LC/MS and network pharmacology to identify breast cancer-related molecular targets of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don active constituents in combination with molecular dynamic simulation and experimental evaluation
Authors: Bhat Basharat Ahmad , Mir Wajahat Rashid , Alkhanani Mustfa , Almilaibary Abdullah , Mir Manzoor Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Fritillaria cirrhosaD. Don is a well-known medicinal plant in Kashmir Himalya. Traditionally, it has been used to treat several diseases, most notably in the treatment of various cancers particularly lung cancer. However, there is a significant gap between scientific research and its application in conventional medicine. The aim of the current work is to provide first-hand evidences bothin-vitroandin silicoshowing thatF. cirrhosaextracts exerts anti-cancer effects against breast cancer. Bulbs ofF. cirrhosawas extracted with various solvents of increasing polarity. Compounds were identified by High resolution-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LC/MS) technique. Phytocompounds were studied for protein targets involved in pathogenesis of breast cancer using Binding 1DB (similarity index > 0.7). Later, the protein-protein interactions (PPI) network was studied using STRING programme and compound-protein interactions using Cytoscape. In addition, molecular docking was used to investigate intermolecular interactions between the compounds and the proteins software using Autodock tool. Molecular dynamics simulations studies were also used to explore the stability of the representative CDK2 + Peiminine complex. In addition, standardin-vitrobiochemical assays were used to evaluate thein-vitroantiproliferative activity of active extracts ofF. cirrhosaagainst several breast cancer cell lines. Bioactive components and potential targets in the treatment of breast cancer were validated through network pharmacology approach. HR-LC/MS detected the presence of several secondary metabolites. Afterward, molecular docking was used to verify the effective activity of the active ingredients against the prospective targets. Additionally, Peiminine showed the highest binding energy score against CDK2 (-12.99 kcal/mol). CDK2 + Peiminine was further explored for molecular dynamics simulations. During the MD simulation study at 100 nanoseconds (ns), a stable complex formation of CDK2 + Peiminine was observed. According to molecular docking results predicted, several key targets of breast cancer bind stably with the corresponding phytocompounds ofF. cirrhosa. Lastly,F. cirrhosaextracts exhibited momentous anticancer activity throughin vitrostudies. Overall, the most important constituents were Imperialine-3-β-glucoside and Peiminine from theF. cirrhosabulbs has effective anti-cancer efficacy by deactivating Akt1 on the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, these findings emphasized the momentous anti-breast cancer activity ofF. cirrhosaextracts. This may open a new window and provide a theoretical foundation for further development and utilization ofF. cirrhosamedicinal plant in the treatment of breast cancer.
Experimental study on tilting deformation and a new method for landslide prediction with retaining-wall locked segment
Authors: Liu Handong , Liu Jingjing , Chen Jiaxing , Qiu Lei
Published: January 2023

The destruction of the locked-segment type landslide is often accompanied by the destruction of the locked segment with cumulative effects. These landslides quickly form high-speed, long-distance landslides and can be severe safety concerns. Physical models are used to study the evolution of retaining-wall locked segment landslides in the paper. HCA726S tilt sensors, micro earth pressure sensor, pore water pressure sensor and strain gauges were used to monitor the tilting deformation, slope stress, and failure characteristics of locked-segment type landslide. According to the landslide tilting deformation curve, strain, and earth pressure of the locked segment, the locked segment plays a crucial role in controlling the stability of a landslide. Here, the failure criterion of the locked segment is put forward. A landslide prediction model is proposed based on the angle-time curve of the tertiary creep stage. Using the improved angle tangent method, the landslide enters the creep stage of initial acceleration, medium acceleration, and high acceleration when the tilting angles are 0.34°, 1.89°, and 4.38°, respectively. The failure time of landslide with the locked segment predicted by the reciprocal velocity method is 5809 s, which is consistent with the actual time of the test (5800s).
Influence of Copper (I) Nicotinate Complex on the Notch1 Signaling Pathways in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed A. , Badawy Asmaa , Abu-Youssef Morsy A. , Yehia Mona A. , Shamaa Lobna D. Abou , Abdullah Shymaa A.
Published: January 2023

TNBC is a subtype of breast cancer which is characterized by its aggressiveness, poor survival and short overall survival. Notch signaling pathway has received great attention as one of the most important potential targets for developing a novel therapeutic strategy.
Purpose, the present study is an attempt to assess the promising chemotherapeutic activities of copper (I) nicotinate (CNC) through its impact on the expression of downstream genes of Notch1 signaling pathway and the cell fate of TNBC. The co-treatment of TNBC cells with doxorubicin (Doxo) and CNC was also investigated.
Methods, to approach the objective of the present study, triple negative breast cancer HCC1806 and MDA MB 231 cell line were utilized. Cell viability assay, MTT assay, was used to determine IC50 values of CNC and Doxo. After treatment, cell cycle distribution and indirect antibody labeling of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were determined by flow cytometry. Real time PCR was used to detect the changes in gene expressions that are involved Notch1 signaling pathway. Moreover, autophagosomes were monitored and imaged by TEM.
Results, treatment of TNBC cells with CNC modulated Notch1 signaling pathways in different manners with respect to the type of cells and the applied dose of CNC.
Conclusion, the observed pro-apoptotic of CNC in addition to its pro- or anti- autophagic activities may reflect the possible anti-cancer activities of CNC in both types of TNBC. However, cell type and CNC dose should be considered.
Effects of two different types of luteal support on pregnancy outcomes following antagonist fresh embryo transfer
Authors: De Minji , Chen Lixue , Zeng Lin , Wang Yang , Yang Rui , Li Rong , Chi Hongbin
Published: January 2023

Background: There are few reports on the use of progesterone vaginal gel in combination with dydrogesterone in the antagonist protocol for fresh embryo transfer. This study compared the effects of differing luteal support on the pregnancy outcomes following the antagonist protocol for fresh embryo transfer.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from infertile patients who underwent fresh embryo transfer via the antagonist protocol (2785 cycles) from February to July 2019 and from February to July 2021 at the Peking University Third Hospital Reproductive Medicine Centre was performed. The groups were divided according to their luteal support into a progesterone vaginal gel group (single medication group; 1170 cycles) and progesterone vaginal gel plus dydrogesterone group (combination medication; 1615 cycles). After propensity score matching, the clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, early miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy rates were compared between the two groups.
Results: A total of 1057 pairs of cycles were successfully propensity score matched. The clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates in the combination medication group were significantly higher than those in the single medication group (P < 0.05), whereas the differences in early miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy rates between the two groups were not significant (both P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Combined luteal support after the antagonist protocol is preferred for patients undergoing fresh cycle embryo transfer.
Risk of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya transmission in the metropolitan area of Cucuta, Colombia: cross-sectional analysis, baseline for a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a novel vector tool for water containers
Authors: Carrillo Maria Angelica , Sanchez Rocio Cardenas , Yañez Johanna , Petzold Max , Kroeger Axel
Published: January 2023

Background
Arbovirus diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are a public health threat in tropical and subtropical areas. In the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment, vector management (in this case the control of the primary vector Aedes aegypti) is the best practice to prevent the three diseases. A good understanding of vector behaviour, ecology, human mobility and water use can help design effective vector control programmes. This study collected baseline information on these factors for identifying the arbovirus transmission risk and assessed the requirements for a large intervention trial in Colombia.
Methods
Baseline surveys were conducted in 5,997 households, randomly selected from 24 clusters (neighbourhoods with on average 2000 houses and 250 households inspected) in the metropolitan area of Cucuta, Colombia. The study established population characteristics including water management and mobility as well as larval-pupal indices which were estimated and compared in all clusters. Additionally, the study estimated disease incidence from two sources: self-reported dengue cases in the household survey and cases notified by the national surveillance system.
Results
In all 24 study clusters similar social and demographic characteristics were found but the entomological indicators and estimated disease incidence rates varied. The entomological indicators showed a high vector infestation: House Index = 25.1%, Container Index = 12.3% and Breteau Index = 29.6. Pupae per person Index (PPI) as an indicator of the transmission risk showed a large range from 0.22 to 2.04 indicating the high transmission risk in most clusters. The concrete ground tanks for laundry –mostly outdoors and uncovered- were the containers with the highest production of Aedes mosquitoes as 86.3% of all 17,613 pupae were identified in these containers. Also the annual incidence of dengue was high: 841.6 self-reported cases per 100,000 inhabitants and the dengue incidence notified by the National surveillance system was 1,013.4 cases per 100,000 in 2019. Only 2.2% of the households used the container water for drinking. 40.3% of the study population travelled during day (when Aedes mosquitoes bite) outside their clusters.
Conclusions:
The production of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes occurred almost exclusively in concrete ground tanks for laundry (lavadero) which are the primary intervention target. The baseline study provides important evidence for the design and implementation of a cluster randomized intervention trial in Colombia.
The Impact of Omicron Variant in Vaccine Uptake in South Africa
Authors: Ogbuokiri Blessing , Ahmadi Ali , Tripathi Nidhi , Movahedi Zahra , Melado Bruce , Wu Jianhong , Asgary Ali , Orbinski James , Kong Jude
Published: January 2023

The first report of the Omicron variant triggered a lot of emotions towards vaccination in South Africa. These emotions are mostly expressed on social media such as Twitter. The result could weaken the confidence level of users even before they are vaccinated. Identifying these emotions and how they change before and during the Omicron variant can help, in understanding the dynamics in citizens' behaviour, towards vaccination for health policy-making. In this study, 23,000 vaccine-related Twitter posts were collected in South Africa, from 1 October 2021 to 15 January 2022 using Natural Language Processing techniques. The emotional classification of Twitter posts and their associated intensities were achieved using the Text2emotion pre-trained model. The results were validated using Naive Bayes with an accuracy of 76%, Logistic Regression (91%), Support Vector Machines (84%), Decision Tree (82%), and K-Nearest Neighbours (72%). The number of tweets significantly positively correlated with the increase in vaccination across all South African provinces (Corr<=0.532, P<=0.003) except Northern Cape province. The emotional intensities for vaccine-related posts showed a strong association with the increase in vaccination during Omicron (P<0.04) in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West provinces than other provinces. The comparison of the intensities of the emotional classes differed across provinces before and during Omicron. The result of this research showed that social media data can be used to complement existing data, in understanding and predicting the dynamics in citizens' emotional behaviour towards vaccination, during a new COVID-19 variant or future outbreaks. The result could also inform health policy in planning, control, and management of provinces identified with vaccine hesitancy. It can also serve as a template or reference for related future academic research.
Role of imaging modalities and N-acetylcysteine treatment in sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Authors: Zhong Yazhi , Guan Jitian , Ma Yunfeng , Xu Meiling , Cheng Yan , Xu Liang , Lin Yan , Zhang Xiaolei , wu renhua
Published: January 2023

Background
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy is a severe complication due to systemic infection. Although early stages involve pathophysiological changes, detection using conventional imaging is challenging. Glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer and diffusion kurtosis imaging can noninvasively investigate cellular and molecular events in the early stage of the disease by MRI. N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant and precursor of glutathione, regulates the metabolism of the neurotransmitter glutamate and participates in neuroinflammation. We aimed to investigate the protective role of n-acetylcysteine in sepsis-associated encephalopathy using a rat model and monitor changes in the brain using magnetic resonance molecular imaging.
Methods
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide was injected intraperitoneally into the rats to induce a sepsis-associated encephalopathy model. The behavioural performance was assessed using the open field test. Tumour necrosis factor alpha and glutathione levels were detected biochemically. Imaging was performed using a 7.0-T MRI scanner. Protein expressions and cellular damage were assessed by western blotting and pathological staining, respectively. We also evaluated changes in the blood-brain barrier permeability by the Evans blue staining.
Results
The lipopolysaccharide-induced rats showed reduced anxiety and depression after treatment with n-acetylcysteine. Magnetic resonance molecular imaging can identify pathological processes at different stages of the disease. Furthermore, rats treated with n-acetylcysteine showed increased glutathione levels and decreased tumour necrosis factor alpha, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity and inhibition of inflammatory processes, respectively. Western blot analysis showed a reduced expression of nuclear factor kappa B (p50) protein after treatment, suggesting that n-acetylcysteine inhibits inflammation via this signalling pathway. Finally, n-acetylcysteine treated rats also showed reduced cellular damage by pathology and reduced extravasation of their blood-brain barrier by Evan Blue staining.
Conclusion
This study showed that n-acetylcysteine might be a therapeutic option for sepsis-associated encephalopathy and other neuroinflammatory diseases. Furthermore, non-invasive ‘dynamic visual monitoring’ of the physiological and pathological changes related to sepsis-associated encephalopathy was achieved for the first time using magnetic resonance molecular imaging, which provides a more sensitive imaging basis for early clinical diagnosis, identification, and prognosis.
Evaluation of a Peer Intervention Project in the Hospital Setting to Improve the Health-Related Quality of Life of Recently Diagnosed People with HIV infection
Authors: de Apodaca Maria Jose Fuster-Ruiz , Pérez-Garín Daniel , Baceiredo Víctor , Laguía Ana , Carrillo Jesús García , García Roberto , García Diego
Published: January 2023

Purpose: This study aims to assess the impact of a peer intervention programme in the hospital setting to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people recently diagnosed with HIV infection.
Methods: A quasi-experimental single-group study with pre- and post-measurements was conducted. The peer intervention programme consisted of four sessions that took place at the following times: (1) the day of diagnosis, (2) the day when the results of the analyses were collected and ART (antiretroviral therapy) began, (3) 1 month after the start of ART, and (4) 4 months after the start of ART. The dependent variables were HRQoL and several psychological predictors of HRQoL. Change in the dependent variables was analysed through repeated measures variance analysis and covariance analysis. Forty-three people with HIV participated in the intervention (40 men, mean age = 39.14).
Results: A significant positive evolution was found in all the predictors of HRQoL, except avoidant coping (p < .05). A positive evolution was also found in all HRQoL dimensions (p < .05). There was a significant increase in CD4 cells/mm3 lymphocytes (p < .0001) and in the CD4/CD8 ratio (p < .001). The positive differential scores in the psychological health and social relationship dimensions influenced the increase in CD4 cells/mm3 lymphocytes (p = .012, p = 0.13). The increase in the social relations dimension score and overall health perception influenced the recovery of the CD4/CD8 ratio (p = .044; p = .068).
Conclusions: Peer intervention improved the HRQoL of people recently HIV diagnosed.
It was related to their immunological recovery. This study represents an essential advance in evaluating peer intervention programmes for positive prevention.
IVF Outcomes of Patients in women with Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: a retrospective study in China
Authors: Xu Wanxue , Li Rong , Qiao Jie
Published: January 2023

Background: Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH) is a rare reproductive disorder due to the dysfunction of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone axis. Without an exogenous hormone supplement, patients with IHH typically fail to enter or develop through puberty and retain infertility. This study was conducted to 1) address the population characteristic of IHH and their clinical outcomes who underwent IVF treatment, 2) evaluate the predictor for the ovarian response for IHH.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 83 women with IHH who underwent fresh ART cycles and non-diagnosed controls (n=676). The receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess the predictor for the ovarian response. The IVF outcomes and strategy patterns administered in IHH were investigated in univariate and regression analyses to optimize the live birth rate.
Results: The fertilization rate and 2PN rate in both fertilized methods (IVF and ICSI) were significantly higher in IHH groups, as was the number of transferable embryos. The highest clinical pregnancy (CP) rate was seen in IHH with a high ovarian response group (63.6%), followed by patients with normal ovarian response in controls. Among patients diagnosed as CP, significantly more live births were observed in IHH groups, even subdivided by the ovarian response. For high ovarian response, AMH levels were the most accurate and reliable predictor (ROC = 0.871). Among IHH patients, the initial Gn dose was significantly lower in CP groups than in non-CP. AMH was the negative factor for initial Gn and total Gn, while AFC was a positive factor in the duration of Gn use.
Conclusions: The study findings suggest patients with IHH were good responders to IVF treatment and the lower initial Gn dosing needs to be considered for normal ovarian responders in IHH. AMH was the best-performed predictor for the ovarian response. The "low and slow" Gn dosing protocol for IHH was practicable with a satisfied IVF outcome in the clinic.
Glycemic status and hyperchloremia as risk factors for acute kidney injury in children with diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Ornelas-Carreón Fernanda del Rosario , Rojas-Artiaga Gerardo , Ruiz-Jaramillo Ma. de la Cruz , Guízar-Mendoza Juan Manuel , Amador-Licona Norma
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). OBJECTIVE. To analyze the factors associated with nephrotoxicity in pediatric patients with DKA.
Material and methods. We performed a case-control study. Records of patients under 18 years of age with DKA were analyzed from January 2016 to January 2021 at the Hospital General Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Those who presented AKI diagnosed with KDIGO criteria were defined as cases and clinical and biochemical data were compared with the group that did not present AKI.
Results. Thirty records of patients with DKA were reviewed, of which 15 developed AKI (50%) which on average resolved by the fourth day of treatment. In this group there were higher values ​​of serum chloride (112±4 mEq/L vs. 105±4 mEq/L, p<0.001, power 99%) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (14.2±2.4% vs 11.5±2.4%, p=0.003, power 90%). The ROC curve analysis for serum chlorine and LRA had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9 (95% CI 0.69-0.97) with a cut-off point of 110 mEq/L and for HbA1c AUC of 0.8 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) with a cut-off point of 12.9%. The level of HbA1c ≥13% at admission as a risk factor for developing AKI showed an OR of 11 (95% CI 2-60) (p=0.006) and serum chloride ≥110 mEq/L an OR of 42 (95% CI 5 -346) (p=0.0005).
Conclusions. Half of the children with DKA had some degree of AKI. Serum chloride level ≥110 mEq/L or HbA1c ≥13% at admission increases the risk of AKI.
Shortest Minkowski billiard trajectories on convex bodies
Authors: Rudolf Daniel , Krupp Stefan
Published: January 2023

We rigorously investigate closed Minkowski/Finsler billiard trajectories on $n$-dimensional convex bodies. We outline the central properties in comparison and differentiation from the Euclidean special case and establish two main results for length-minimizing closed Minkowski/Finsler billiard trajectories: one is a regularity result, the other is of geometric nature. Building on these results, we develop an algorithm for computing length-minimizing closed Minkowski/Finsler billiard trajectories in the plane.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010) MSC 37C83
Basic Life Support (BLS) Knowledge Among General Population in Arab Countries: A Multinational Study in Nine Arab Countries
Authors: Shaheen Nour , Shaheen Ahmed , Mohmmed Abdelrahman , Diab Rehab Adel , Swed Sarya , Ramadan Abdelraouf , AL-Ahdal Tareq , Wael Muhannad , Kundu Mrinmoy , Soliman Sama , Elmasry Mohamed , Shoib Sheikh
Published: January 2023

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) is a medical treatment used in life-threatening emergencies until the sufferer can be properly cared for by a team of paramedics or in a hospital. It may save the lives of those who are choking, drowning, or experiencing cardiac arrest, as well as certain others, depending on the situation. This research seeks to assess the level of knowledge of basic life support and the contributing factors among the Arab non-medical population.
Methods: An online survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among non-medical populations in nine Arab countries between April 13, 2022, and June 30, 2022. The utilized questionnaire consisted of two parts: part one includes socio-demographic and knowledge-related items; part two measures knowledge of basic life support through an online survey. For data analysis, we used SPSS version 28. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to investigate difference in BLS knowledge between groups defined by the independent variables Statistically significant differences were defined as those with a P value <0.05, and the score above the mean of knowledge on the BLS scale was considered adequate.
Results: The research included a total of 4465 participants. 2540 (56.89%) [95% CI (55.9–57.7)] of the participants were knowledgeable about basic life support. The mean basic life support knowledge scores of participants who received training were higher than those who had not (20.11 ± 4.20 vs. 16.96 ± 5.27). According to a comparison of the included nations' levels of BLS knowledge, Yemen scored the highest (19.86 ± 4.71), while Morocco had the lowest (14.15 ± 5.10). Additionally, individuals who resided in urban areas scored on average higher than those who did in rural areas (17.86 ± 5.19 vs. 17.13 ± 5.24, p<0.05) in understanding basic life support.
Conclusion: The level of BLS knowledge among non-medical people in Arab nations is moderate but insufficient to handle the urgent crises that we face everywhere; in addition to physicians being needed to learn the basic BLS principles, non-medical people should also be knowledgeable of the necessary actions to take in emergency events.
Effect of phosphonate additives with hydroxy groups on tribological properties of ta-C coatings under boundary lubrication
Authors: Kento Kento , Tokoroyama Takayuki , Umehara Noritsugu , Murashima Motoyuki , Oshio Tadashi , Yagishita Kazuhiro
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the range of applications of DLC coatings has been expanding, and finding the optimal additives for DLC coatings is an urgent issue. In this study, friction tests were conducted on ta-C/ta-C tribopair using a phosphonate additive with hydroxy groups, which is a combination of GMO (an additive that reduces friction of DLC) and ZDDP (an additive that reduces wear), and tribolayers after friction tests were analyzed using AFM, XPS and ToF-SIMS. The results showed that the phosphonate additive with hydroxy groups tribochemically reacted with the ta-C coating to form a low-shear, hard triblayer on the surface, thereby reducing the friction and wear of the ta-C coating.This indicates that additives with phosphonate structures and hydroxy groups are effective for DLC coatings.
Experiences on screening and management of gestational diabetes among women diagnosed with GDM
Authors: Abubakari Abdulai , Bukari Mohammed , Malechi Hawa , Garti Humphery , Agbozo Faith
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Understanding the experiences of women diagnosed with GDM can improve GDM care. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the perspectives of women in northern Ghana who had been diagnosed with GDM regarding screening and management.
Methods: This was a facility-based qualitative cross-sectional study among purposively sampled women diagnosed with GDM and were receiving care from healthcare providers. Women were asked about their reaction on being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, experience with care, training, self-monitoring, and challenges with management of gestational diabetes and data obtained were analysed using thematic content analysis
Results: Two major themes emerged on screening and management experience for women diagnosed with GDM; intense emotional experience relating to diagnosis and management and satisfactory experience on general GDM care. The intense emotional experience was characterised by feeling of sadness, fear, worry and confusion. The satisfactory experience was based on their thoughts on dietary advice they received during GDM care, the difficulties they experienced in getting information about diet from different health care professionals, feeling about getting information about diet from different health care professionals, perception about dietary and lifestyle approaches in the management of their condition and general thoughts or impressions on how GDM is managed.
Conclusion: Two major themes emerged on screening and management experience for women diagnosed with GDM; intense emotional experience relating to diagnosis and management and satisfactory experience on general GDM care.
A non-contact method for real-time stacked- sheet counting based on broadband X-ray absorption spectra and LSTM model
Authors: Fang Zheng , Yuan Bingan , Wang Mengyi , Ye Bichao , Li Shunren , Chen Yinbin , Deng Hongjun , Feng Shucheng
Published: January 2023

In order to count stacked-sheet in real time, a non-contact method based on broadband X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network was proposed. Five hundred sheets of standard A4 printing papers (70 g/m2) were taken as experimental samples. The broadband XAS detection equipment was used to scan the papers leading to 500 broadband XAS data, and the data were preprocessed by principal component analysis (PCA). LSTM was built to count stacked papers, and compared with polynomial fitting model(PFM) and artificial neural network (ANN) to verify the difference in prediction accuracy. Mean square error (MSE), Mean absolute error (MAE), Max-error (MAXE) and Coefficient of determination (R2) were selected as evaluation indexes of above models. The experimental results showed that the proposed approach can count stacked-sheet accurately with the MAE was 1.0895 and the prediction time was less than 0.006 second. All the index results of LSTM were better than those of PFM and ANN. Therefore, this study using broadband XAS and LSTM realized real-time stacked-sheet counting, and provided a new idea for thickness measurement field.
Knowledge and practice of Informal Caregivers on Pressure Injury Prevention and Treatment among Patients Need Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: BaniHani Heyam , Alnaeem Mohammad Minwer , Saleh Mohammad , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: January 2023

Background: Pressure injuries represent an important problem in palliative care. Lack of knowledge and skills among informal caregivers on pressure ulcer prevention and management contributes significantly to the happening or deterioration of pressure injuries.
Aim: The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the level of knowledge and practices of informal caregivers on pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. (2) explore the socio-demographic characteristics of informal caregivers that influence pressure ulcer prevention and treatment among patients who need palliative care.
Methods: the quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used to collect data conveniently from 146 informal caregivers, and a valid and reliable questionnaire was used.
Results: One hundred and forty-six informal caregivers completed the study. Most participants had a relativelylow level of pressure ulcer prevention, treatment knowledge, and practice. Participants older than 28 years, government workers, and married had significantlybetter knowledge and practice of PU prevention and treatment than other participants.
Conclusion information for informal caregivers in different settings about pressure ulcer prevention and treatment is needed by focusing on young married ones. Informal caregivers need to acquire more professional practices and knowledge to improve the quality of patient care.
Obesity related to metabolic syndrome: Comparison of obesity indicators in an older French population
Authors: ASSOUMOU Hourfil Gabin NTOUGOU , PICHOT Vincent , BARTHELEMY Jean Claude , CELLE Sebastien , GARCIN Arnauld , THOMAS Thierry , ROCHE Frederic
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of metabolic abnormalities. Insulin resistance is a major component of the syndrome. We analyze in this study the relationship between body fat composition and MS in comparison to usual obesity indicators in an older adult population.
Design: The PROgnostic indicator OF cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (PROOF) study is a prospective longitudinal community cohort study among the inhabitants of Saint-Etienne, France
Methods: The study is a cohort study of 1011 subjects (mean age 65.6±0.8 years old) recruited from the electoral list of the town in 2000. Among them, 806 subjects realized a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) used to evaluate body fat and lean mass repartition. We evaluate biological metabolic parameters according to usual techniques. The indices of obesity were calculated according to standard formula. MS presence and components were simultaneously evaluated.
Results: All physical parameters were significantly higher(p<0.0001) in subjects suffering metabolic syndrome as compared to those without. Body fat index (BFI) was distinguished from others with a strong correlation to total fat mass, trunk fat mass and body adiposity index (BAI). The correlations between body indices and metabolic components showed that body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were more strongly associated with BFI as compared to BAI and total fat mass. According logistic regression analysis, only waist-hip ratio (WHR) demonstratedsignificant association with MS severity (p<0.0001).
Conclusions: Among the obesity indices, BFI and BAI represented the best indicators to characterize global obesity while WHR is highly predictive of metabolic syndrome presence and severity. The BAI indicator is an alternative for measuring obesity in the absence of DXA measurements. Comparison of long-term impact of such markers on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is now questioned.
Global patterns of asthma burden related to environmental risk factors during 1990-2019: An age-period-cohort analysis for Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Zhang Siying , Gao Zongshi , Wu Lihong , Zhong Yumei , Gao Hui , Tao Fang-biao , Wu Xiulong
Published: January 2023

Background: Change in asthma burden attributed to specific environmental risk factor has not been evaluated.
Objective: We aimed to explore the age, period, and cohort effects on asthma burden attributable to smoking and occupational asthmagens in different socio-demographic index (SDI) areas and the regional and gender differences.
Methods: Risk factor-specific asthma death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates were extracted from Global Burden of Disease study 2019, estimated by standard Combined Cause of Death Model and DisMod-MR 2.1 modeling tool. Age-period-cohort analysis was conducted to decompose age, period, and cohort effects on asthma burden.
Results: Smoking- and occupational asthmagens-related asthma death and DALYs rates dropped by >45% during 1990-2019. In 2019, Africa, South and Southeast Asia had higher asthma burden than other regions, and male had higher asthma burden than female. Among nearly all age groups, low-middle SDI region had the highest smoking-related asthma burden, and low SDI region had the highest occupational asthmagens-related asthma burden. Inverse “V” shaped trend was observed in the above regions with increasing age. For smoking-related asthma death and DALYs rates, the most significant improvement of period rate ratios (RRs) occurred in high SDI area, decreased from 1.67 (1.61, 1.74) to 0.34 (0.33, 0.36) and 1.61 (1.57, 1.66) to 0.59 (0.57, 0.61), respectively, as well as the cohort effect on smoking-related asthma burden. For occupational asthmagens-related asthma death and DALYs rates, the most sharply decrease of period and cohort RRs appeared in the high and high-middle SDI region, respectively. Low SDI area showed least progress in period and cohort RRs of smoking- and occupational asthmagens-linked asthma burden.
Conclusion: Smoking and occupational asthmagens-related asthma burden sharply decreases, but region and sex disparities exist. Policy makers from low SDI region should reinforce tobacco control and make more effort in occupational protection.
Lutein and β-carotene characterization in free and nanodispersion forms in terms of antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Elkholy Nourhan , Hariri Mohamad Louai M. , Mohammed Haitham S. , Shafaa Medhat W.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Carotenoids are potent natural antioxidants with many important applications. Their nanodispersion formulations can solve problems that may limit their usage. In this study, we produced carotenoid nanodispersions from extracted lutein (Nano-Lut), extracted β-carotene (Nano-EBc), and synthetic β-carotene (Nano-SBC).
Methods: The present study has quantitatively emphasized the physicochemical, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of free and nanodispersed formulations of lutein and β-carotene. The nanodispersions were characterized by spectral absorption, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. Antioxidant and cytotoxicity assays were conducted for free and their nanodispersed forms. The cytotoxicity of free carotenoids and their nanodispersions was conducted on HSF, VERO, and BNL cell lines.
Results: Nano-Lut has the smallest mean particle size (185.2 ± 40.5 nm, PDI of 0.183 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of -28.6 ± 6.4 mV). Nano-SBc showed monomodal size distribution (220.5 ± 30.09 nm, PDI of 0.318 ± 0.03, and zeta potential of -12.1 ± 5.9 mV), while Nano-EBc showed a bimodal size distribution (with a mean particle size of 498.3 ± 88.9 nm, PDI of 0.65 ± 0.08, and zeta potential of -39.7 ± 1.3 mV). All prepared nanodispersions showed less than 20% loss during the formulation process. Antioxidant assays showed that extracted lutein was the most active and synthetic β-carotene was the least. Cells showed higher tolerance for lutein and its nanodispersion than extracted or synthetic β-carotene either in free or nanodispersion forms.
Conclusions: The study proved that lutein in nanodispersed form possesses the smallest size, the highest antioxidant activity, and the lowest cytotoxicity among the tested formulations.
The Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Mental Health: Differences in Different Solitude Behaviors
Authors: Liu Xinyang , Liu Tour , Zhou Zhao , Wan Fuyu
Published: January 2023

Background: Depression, anxiety, and stress are the main issues that affect the mental health of individuals. Solitude behavior, fear of missing out, and mental health are all closely related.
Objective: This study was intended to investigate the relationship between solitude behavior, FoMO, and mental health.
Methods: Short Form of Solitude Behavior Scale (SBS-S), Fear of Missing Out scale (FoMOs), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were employed in this study to investigate 616 college students. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 for basic data organization, and Mplus 8.3 was used to complete the analysis of the mediation model.
Results: (1) Positive solitude positively predicted eccentricity and negatively predicted loneliness; social avoidance positively predicted eccentricity and loneliness. (2) Social avoidance and loneliness affected mental health through the mediating effect of FoMO, whereas positive solitude and eccentricitydid not affect mental health through FoMO. Moreover, the results still held in the model with depression, anxiety, and stress as dependent variables.
Conclusion:The roles of different solitude behavior in the relationship between FoMO and mental health differed. Social avoidance and loneliness as not self-determined solitude can activate the FoMO, which can affect mental health.