bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of local stress field in the north-central Kinki district by dense seismic observation of stress rotation near the active faults
Authors: Tanaka Toshio , Iio Yoshihisa , Katao Hiroshi , Sawada Masayo , Tomisaka Kazuhide
Published: December 2022

Several active faults are distributed in the north-central Kinki district, making it one of the areas with their highest concentrations in Japan. The orientation of the maximum principal stress (σ1) in southwest Japan is generally in the east-west direction. In the north-central Kinki district, σ1 is also considered to be oriented uniformly in the east-west direction. However, the Arima-Takatsuki fault zone in this district is a vertical strike-slip fault with a strike that is close to east-west, and the angle that the surface trace of the fault makes with the north is 80°. The Mitoke fault zone is also a vertical strike-slip fault with an angle of 110°. The stress field is less likely to cause a strike-slip motion in these fault zones. Thus, in this study, we comprehensively examined whether the orientation of σ1 is uniform. We then investigated the relationship between the orientation of σ1 and the strike of fault. The mechanism solutions were obtained using a large amount of seismic data between November 17, 2008 and March 29, 2018. The stress fields were estimated by stress tensor inversion. At a depth of 10 km near the Arima-Takatsuki fault zone, the average optimum solution for the azimuth of σ1 was 104°, rotating clockwise from the east. The angle between this azimuth and the direction of the surface trace of the fault was 24°. In the Mitoke fault zone, the azimuth of σ1 was 81° and the angle was 29°. These results indicated that the stress field is not uniform and that σ1 rotates in an orientation that easily causes strike-slip motion for strike-slip faults. To elucidate the cause of the σ1 rotation, we assumed that the ductile fault extends into the lower crust as the deeper extension of the brittle fault zone and showed that the stress field in the upper crust rotating near these two fault zones can be explained by aseismic slip on the ductile faults. The findings indicated that the activity of the upper crust is closely related to that of the lower crust and more detailed analysis of the lower crust is essential.
Gains and Losses: A Phenomenographic Study on Adolescents’ Understanding of Isolation due to COVID-19
Authors: Rosali Leann Jester , Erojo Kreen , Dicto Princess Joy
Published: December 2022

The global health emergency posed by the COVID-19 outbreak has affected millions of people. In the Philippines, among the establishments closed are schools which resulted in children and adolescents staying at home for years under quarantine. Many studies were conducted focusing on the impact of isolation on people's physical and emotional well-being, most notably the children and adolescents who are considered vulnerable individuals. However, limited studies investigated how these young people understand their experiences while in quarantine. Hence, this phenomenographic study aims to provide insights into Filipino adolescents' realities by exploring the many different ways they view isolation. Seventeen adolescents in quarantine were interviewed, and qualitative analysis revealed an outcome space where isolation is seen in the light of gains and losses as described in three emerging ways of understanding. The descriptions reveal understandings that isolation is (1) a restraint, (2) a necessity, and (3) an opportunity that has an impact on the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of adolescents' lives. Implications and recommendations presented may serve as a basis for designing programs and interventions to help adolescents deal with possible negative feelings while in isolation and post-quarantine.
Neck circumference as marker of overweight and obesity among secondary adolescents aged 12-19 years in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Katamba Godfrey , Agaba David , Namaganda Agnes , Musasizi Abdul , Kinene Mivule , Migisha Richard
Published: December 2022

Background: Overweight and obesity have become more common among adolescents. Various indicators have been used to assess this burden across populations. Recent findings elsewhere have found neck circumference to be useful in defining overweight and obesity. However, the use of neck circumference as marker of overweight and obesity needs to be further explored among adolescents in Uganda.
Objective: To assess the usefulness of neck circumference as a marker of overweight and obesity.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among secondary adolescents aged 12-19 years from May to August in 2018, Height was measured using a wall mount height board and weight using a standard weighing scale. Neck circumference was measured using an inelastic measuring tape. We defined overweight as BMI =25.0-29.9kg/m2 while obesity as BMI ≥30.0kg/m2 among the study participants. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between neck circumference, height, weight and body mass index. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the suitable cutoff of neck circumference for overweight and obesity.
Results: We enrolled 616 adolescents aged 12-19 years, with mean age of 15.6±2.0 years. Most (65.6%) were female. The overall prevalence of overweight was 30.5% while that of obesity was 3.4%. Neck circumference was significantly correlated with height (r = 0.561, p<0.001), weight (r = 0.547, p<0.001) and body mass index (r = 0.193, p<0.001). The best cutoff of neck circumference to identify participants with obesity were ≥ 31.0 cm with AUC of 0.83 and ≥ 32.0cm with an AUC of 0.59 among the females and males respectively.
Conclusion: Neck circumference was useful in defining and hence classifying for overweight or obesity among the female adolescents in our study population. It could useful for screening for overweight and obesity among the female adolescents.
Induction of tissue-specific premature stem cell aging via Lef1 deficiency promotes senescence-like deterioration in remote organs
Authors: Ikuno Yasuaki , Watanabe Koichiro , Kakeya Yumi , Ikeno Shinsuke , Nakabo Toshimasa , Narumoto Ayano , Kande Yukie , Hayashi Tomoki , Minami Kahori , Nobuhiro Kasumi , Mabuchi Yo , Nakamura Shiho , Okano Hideyuki , Ihara Dai , Naka-Kaneda Hayato
Published: December 2022

Molecular mechanisms of aging specific to each stem cell (SC) are being elucidated. However, the common molecular basis for senescence in various SCs remains largely unexplored. Here, we have shown that the dysregulation of DNA damage response (DDR) modulated by lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lef1) and DDR-microRNAs (DDR-miRs) is the common molecular basis for aging in SCs. We identified Lef1as the most repressed transcription factor with aging in common between mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Like the expression profiles of aged MSCs, Lef1 knockdown reduced broad microRNAs and loss of induction of DDR-miRs in young MSCs. DDR capacity was also diminished in aged SCs in vivo. Moreover, Lef1 deficiency in intestinal stem cells induced precocious dysregulation of DDR and inflammation and senescence in the remote brain. This study demonstrates that the Lef1/DDR-miR axis is the common molecular basis underlying SC aging.
Human NCR3 gene variants rs2736191 and rs11575837 influence susceptibility to the longitudinal development of pediatric severe malarial anemia
Authors: Onyango Clinton O. , Cheng Qiuying , Munde Elly O. , Raballah Evans , Anyona Samuel B. , McMahon Benjamin H. , Lambert Christophe G. , Onyango Patrick O. , Schneider Kristan A. , Perkins Douglas J. , Ouma Collins
Published: December 2022

Background
Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality in holoendemic transmission areas. Severe malarial anemia [SMA, hemoglobin (Hb) < 5.0g/dL] is the most common clinical manifestation of severe malaria in such regions. Although innate immune response genes are known to influence the development of SMA, the role of natural killer (NK) cells in malaria pathogenesis remains largely undefined. As such, we examined the impact of genetic variation in the gene encoding a primary NK cell receptor, natural cytotoxicity-triggering receptor 3 (NCR3), on the occurrence of malaria and SMA episodes over time.
Methods
Susceptibility to malaria, SMA, and all-cause mortality was determined in carriers of NCR3 genetic variants (i.e., rs2736191:C > G and rs11575837:C > T) and their haplotypes. The prospective observational study was conducted over a 36 mos. follow-up period in a cohort of children (n = 1,515, aged 1.9–40 mos.) residing in a holoendemic P. falciparum transmission region, Siaya, Kenya.
Results
Poisson regression modeling, controlling for anemia-promoting covariates, revealed an increased risk of malaria in carriers of the homozygous mutant allele genotype (TT) for rs11575837 [Incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.540, 95% CI = 1.114–2.129, P = 0.009]. Increased risk of SMA was observed for rs2736191 in children who inherited the CG genotype (IRR = 1.269, 95% CI = 1.009–1.597, P = 0.041) and in the additive model (presence of 1 or 2 copies) (IRR = 1.198, 95% CI = 1.030–1.393, P = 0.019), but was not significant after multiple test correction. Modeling of the haplotypes revealed that the CC haplotype had an additive effect for protection against SMA (IRR = 0.823, 95% CI = 0.711–0.952, P = 0.009). Although increased susceptibility to SMA was present in carriers of the GC haplotype (IRR = 1.276, 95% CI = 1.030–1.581, P = 0.026) with an additive effect (IRR = 1.182, 95% CI = 1.018–1.372, P = 0.029), the results did not remain significant after multiple test correction. None of the NCR3 genotypes or haplotypes were associated with all-cause mortality.
Conclusions
Variation in NCR3 alters susceptibility to malaria and SMA during the acquisition of naturally-acquired malarial immunity. These results highlight the importance of NK cells in the innate immune response to malaria.
Analyzing Drought Trends over Sindh Province, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Mansoor , Dars Ghulam Hussain Hussain , Ahmed Suhail , Krakauer Nir Y.
Published: December 2022

Located in the lowest part of the Indus Basin, Pakistan's Sindh Province has been severely affected by extreme events due to climate change. This study analyzes the drought characteristics in Sindh Province from 1902 to 2015 using 3-month and 12-month timescales of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The Spatial "K" luster Analysis using Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method was used to divide the study area into four zones with similar climatic characteristics. Then, the run theory was applied to characterize droughts (drought duration, severity, intensity, and peak) in each zone. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend test was also applied to analyze statistically significant trends by zone and drought characteristic. It was found that all four zones experienced a decrease in SPEI throughout the analyzed period. The effects of climate change are more evident when we analyzed drought characteristics in two time slices, i.e., pre and post-1960. The results showed that in the post-1960 time slice, droughts increased in duration, severity, intensity, and peaks over the entire study area under both 3 and 12-month SPEI. The findings of this study can assist policymakers and water managers in devising policies for managing limited water resources under changing patterns of droughts in Sindh Province.
Automatic Diagnosis of Multiple Lung Diseases in Chest Radiographs Based on Ensemble CNN Models
Authors: Jalehi Muhannad Kassem , Albaker Baraa M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Lung diseases are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. These diseases can be diagnosed accurately and early with the help of Chest X-ray Radiographic (CXR) imaging. CXR images carry a significant amount of anatomical and physiological information. Still, the potential for error is high even for an experienced radiologist to identify the information about a particular disease because of the similarity with other lung conditions.
Methods
To address this issue, this paper proposes an effective method for supporting medical diagnosis and facilitating the decision-making process to detect multiple lung diseases from chest X-ray images using an ensemble approach. In this context, the stacking method aggregates that three Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models that are MobileNetV3, EfficientNetV2B0, and ResNet50V2, chosen for the training using a new combined dataset. The new combined dataset involves three publicly available datasets, including PA chest radiography images, NIH, and TBX11K. The proposed models are trained and tested to classify four and five lung disease cases: pneumonia, COVID-19, pneumothorax, atelectasis, and normal.
Results
The outstanding performance was obtained on the testing set of four classes represented by a sensitivity of 97.25%, specificity of 99.15%, and accuracy of 98.77%, and for five classes, the sensitivity of 91.74%, specificity of 97.88%, and accuracy of 96.68%.
Conclusion
Using the proposed stacking method that combines the strengths of multiple models and pre-trained weights, the results of the stack-2 model show good classification accuracy in classifying multi-category lung diseases and can be used as a reliable automated diagnostic tool to assist radiologists in the accuracy and speed of their decision-making.
Item Analysis of Quality of Life Scale (QLICP-NA, V2.0) for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Classical Test theory and Item Response Theory
Authors: Zhang Yani , Luo Tianxin , Chen Tianliang , Fang Yangchen , Wan Chonghua , Wu Jiayuan , Hu Liren , Liang Zhangye , Du Jinlin , Yang Zheng
Published: December 2022

[Objective] To analyze the QLICP-NA (V2.0) items using classical test theory and item response theory.
[Methods]One hundred twenty-one nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were investigated using QLICP-NA (V2.0). SPSS15.0 software was used to manage the data and Multilog 7.03 software was used for parameter analysis. IRT was used to calculate the discrimination, difficulty, and item information for each item in the scale.
[Results] The scale covered five domains: physical (PHD); psychological (PSD); social (SOD); general symptoms and side effects (SSD); and special module (SNA). PHD contains eight items (coded GPH1-8), PSD comprises nine items (coded GPS1-9), SOD covers eight items (coded GSO1-8), SSD includes seven items (coded GSS1-7), and SNA covers eleven items (coded SNA1-11). The correlation coefficient between SNA1 and SNA8 was < 0.4, and the correlation was poor. GPS4, GOS4, SNA1, and SNA3 had low correlation with the field. The five items were deleted. SNA4 and SNA8 discrimination was poor, thus deletion was recommended. SNA2 and SNA10 discrimination was not good, thus SNA2 and SNA10 were modified and retained. The results of item information showed that the information content of the specific module, SNA1-11, was poor, but because deleting too many items had a great impact on the total table and deleting two items (SNA6 and SNA10) with < 0.2 information, 34 items were finally reserved.
[Conclusion] The analysis of scale items can be evaluated from different angles and applied comprehensively.
Global Profiling of Antibiotic Resistomes in Maize Rhizospheres
Authors: Pham Dung Ngoc , Wu Qiong , Li Mengyan
Published: December 2022

The spreading of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in crops and food products represents a global concern. In this study, we conducted a survey of resistomes in maize rhizosphere from Michigan, California, the Netherland, and South Africa, and investigated potential associations with host bacteria and soil management practices in the crop field. For comparison, relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is normalized to the size of individual metagenomes. Michigan maize rhizosphere metagenomes showed the highest abundance and diversity of ARGs, with the detection of blaTEM-116, blaACT-4/-6, and FosA2, exhibiting high similarity (≥ 99.0%) to those in animal and human pathogens. This was probably related to the decade-long application of manure/composted manure from antibiotic-treated animals. Moreover, RbpA, vanRO, mtrA, and dfrB were prevalently found across most studied regions, implying their intrinsic origins. Further analysis revealed that RbpA, vanRO, and mtrA are mainly harbored by native Actinobacteria with low mobility, while a group of dfrB genes are adjacent to the recombination binding sites (attC), which together constitute mobile gene cassettes, promoting the transmission from soil bacteria to human pathogens. These results suggest that maize rhizosphere resistomes can be distinctive and affected by many factors, particularly those relevant to agricultural practices.
Intra-articular injection of gold micro-particles for painful knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Rasmussen Sten , Petersen Kristian Kjaer , Aboo Christopher , Andersen Jakob Skallerup , Skjoldemose Emilie , Jørgensen Nia Kristine , Stensballe Allan , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: December 2022

Background:

Gold microparticles injected intra-articular in knee osteoarthritic joints (OA) may provide pain relief. The present open, exploratory study sought to identify the efficacy and factors associated with the outcomes.

Methods:

This study included thirty patients with knee OA who received intraarticular injections with 20 mg gold microparticles (72.000 particles, 20–40 µm in diameter) using the patient’s synovial fluid as the carrier, and 136 patients with knee OA who received 20 mg gold microparticles using hyaluronic acid as the carrier. In the analysis, we included the Global Rating of Change Scale, PainDetectQuestionnaire (PDQ), the use of a carrier, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Kellgren Lawrence score at the inclusion, Western Ontario, and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) sub-scores for pain, stiffness, and function at inclusion and two years.

Results:

On the Global Rating Change Scale, 72.9% of patients reported a positive effect, 23.5% no effect, and 2.4% worse. PDQ and the three WOMAC subscores all improved at two years of follow-up. The use of carrier did not influence the effect at two years of follow-ups corrected for the other selected co-variables (P = 0.36). PainDetect ≥ 13 (P = 0.0027), BMI (P = 0.008) and Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 (P = 0.049) at inclusion reduced the effect with a minor odds ratio compared to the baseline effect of treatment (P = 0.03). WOMAC subscores at inclusion did not influence the effect (P > 0.5).

Conclusions:

A single intra-articular injection of gold microparticles was associated with pain reduction and improved function in patients with knee OA. Neuropathic pain, obesity, and severe osteoarthritis, to a minor degree, reduced the effect of intra-articular gold microparticles for knee OA.
Trial registration
The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the local ethics committee of the North Denmark Region by 27/07/2016 (N-20160045). The regional data protection agency approved the project by 06/07/2016 (2008-58-0028, ID 2016-116) and registered in ClinicalTrial.Gov by 04/01/2018 (NCT03389906).
Essential Information for Neurorecovery Clinical Trial Design: Trajectory of Global Disability in First 90 Days Poststroke in Patients Discharged to Acute Rehabilitation Facilities
Authors: Taleb Shayandokht , Lee Jenny Ji-hyun , Duncan Pamela , Cramer Steven C , Bahr-Hosseini Mersedeh , Su Michael , Starkman Sidney , Avila Gilda , Hochberg Arielle , Hamilton Scott , Conwit Robin A. , Saver Jeffrey L
Published: December 2022

Background: Many stroke recovery interventions are most beneficial when started 2-14d post-stroke, a time when patients become eligible for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) and neuroplasticity is often at its peak. Clinical trials focused on recovery need to expand the time from this plasticity to later outcome timepoints.
Methods: The disability course of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) enrolled in Field Administration of Stroke Therapy Magnesium (FAST-MAG) Trial with moderate-severe disability (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 3-5) on post-stroke day4 who were discharged to IRF 2-14d post-stroke were analyzed.
Results: Among 1422 patients, 446 (31.4%) were discharged to IRFs, including 23.6% within 2-14d and 7.8% beyond 14d. Patients with mRS 3-5 on day4 discharged to IRFs between 2-14d accounted for 21.7% (226/1041) of AIS patients and 28.9% (110/381) of ICH patients, (p<0.001). Among these AIS patients, age was 69.8 (±12.7), initial NIHSS median 8 (IQR 4-12), and day4 mRS=3 in 16.4%, mRS=4 in 50.0%, and mRS=5 in 33.6%. Among these ICH patients, age was 62.4 (±11.7), initial NIHSS median 9 (IQR 5-13), day 4 mRS=3 in 9.4%, mRS=4 in 45.3%, and mRS=5 in 45.3% (p<0.01 for AIS vs ICH). Between day4 to day90, mRS improved ≥ 1 levels in 72.6% of AIS patients vs 77.3% of ICH patients, p=0.3. For AIS, mRS improved from mean 4.17 (±0.7) to 2.84 (±1.5); for ICH, mRS improved from mean 4.35 (±0.7) to 2.75 (±1.3). Patients discharged to IRF beyond day14 had less improvement on day90 mRS compared with patients discharged between 2-14d.
Conclusions: In this acute stroke cohort, nearly 1 in 4 patients with moderate-severe disability on post-stroke day4 were transferred to IRF within 2-14d post-stroke. ICH patients had nominally greater mean improvement on mRS day90 than AIS patients. This course delineation provides a roadmap for future rehabilitation intervention studies.
WITHDRAWN: Green Bonds Investments Firms and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Morocco Stock Market
Authors: Jihane MOKHCHY , Guangyu Chen , AYEH EMELIA ASIEDU , Ahmad Saleem
Published: December 2022

The green bond market in Morocco has advanced dramatically in recent years and is among the best in the world. The companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange that have issued green bonds serve as the research object in the paper, as the effects of green bond issuance are investigated. Non-linearities in dynamic behaviours are validated by applying the four models in the study's Markov-switching (MS) econometric methodology. The implications of green bond issue on financial performance and corporate social responsibility, as well as the effects on stock price (CSR). Both in high- and low-volatility scenarios, the green bond market is seen to have a favourable impact on the overall calculation. In both high and low volatility scenarios, green bonds have a positive impact on the carbon market. Priorities for the corporation include CSR disclosure activities and ensuring that governments maintain a strong economic foundation for a long-term sustainable market. The claim that green bonds are a crucial element in determining the course of events in the carbon market gains support due to the long-term stability of the low volatility regime. Through an effect akin to insurance, the CSR dramatically lowers the risk premium of corporate bonds. Investors and fund managers can better deploy strategies across a range of market volatility and economic activity with the support of a diversified portfolio built around a climate framework.
miR-3154 promotes glioblastoma proliferation and metastasis via targeting TP53INP1
Authors: Lin Xiangdan , Wu Qiong , Lei Wei , Wu Dongyang , Sheng Jianchun , Liang Guobiao , Hou Guojun , Fan Di
Published: December 2022

Glioblastomas (GBM) are most common types of primary brain tumors and miRNAs play an important role in pathogenesis of glioblastomas. Here, we reported a new miRNA, miR-3154, which regulates glioblastoma proliferation and metastasis. miR-3154 was elevated in glioblastoma tissue and cell lines, and its elevation was associated with grade of glioblastomas. Knockdown of miR-3154 in cell lines weakened ability of proliferation and colony formation, and caused cell cycle arrested and higher percentage of apoptosis. Knockdown of miR-3154 also impaired ability of migration and invasion in glioblastoma cells. In mechanism, miR-3154 bound directly to Tumor Protein P53 Inducible Nuclear Protein 1 (TP53INP1), down-regulating TP53INP1 expression at both mRNA and protein level. Silence of TP53INP1 reversed the effect of miR-3154 knockdown on proliferation and metastasis of glioblastoma cells. These findings show that miR-3154 promotes glioblastoma proliferation and metastasis via targeting TP53INP1.
Development of a hypercoagulable-hypofibrinolytic state early after spinal cord injury
Authors: Park Andrew , Garcia Vinicius , Greiner Jared , Berry Auburn , Cardenas Hannah , Wegerson Kendra , Stauffer Brian , DeSouza Christopher
Published: December 2022

Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Objectives: To determine whether spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with adverse changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic factors that underlie thrombogenesis and contribute to atherothrombotic events such as myocardial infarctions (MI) and strokes.
Setting: Adults with subacute SCI and non-injured community dwelling adults.
Methods: Thirty young and middle-aged (20-58 years) adults were studied: 14 non-injured (11M/4F) and 16 with subacute SCI (13M/3F; time since injury: 11.8±5.3 wk). Circulating markers of coagulation [von Willebrand factor (vWf) and factors VII, VIII, and X], the fibrinolytic system [tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen and activity], and fibrin formation (D-dimer) were determined by enzyme immunoassay.
Results: Circulating levels of coagulation factors VII, VIII and X were significantly higher (~20-45%) in the adults with SCI than non-injured adults; whereas, vWf was similar between groups. Fibrinolytic markers were adversely disrupted with SCI with t-PA antigen, PAI-1 antigen and PAI-1 activity were markedly higher (~50-800%; P<0.05) in adults with SCI compared with non-injured adults. The molar concentration ratio of active t-PA to PAI-1 was significantly higher (~350%) in adults with SCI. Concordant with coagulation cascade activation and fibrinolytic system inhibition, D-dimer concentrations were markedly ~70% higher (P<0.05) in adults with SCI compared with non-injured adults.
Conclusions: Subacute tetraplegic motor complete SCI is associated with a prothrombotic hemostatic profile. Adverse changes in the coagulation cascade and fibrinolytic system appear to occur early after injury and may contribute to the increased atherothrombotic risk in adults living with SCI.
Prognostic impact of blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio on patients with sepsis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: WANG Yuhe , GAO Shan , HONG Lei , HOU Tingting , LIU Huihui , LI Meng , ZHANG Yong
Published: December 2022

Objective
To investigate the ability of the ratio of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to serum albumin ratio (BAR) in patients with sepsis in intensive care units (ICUs) to predict the prognosis of short-and long-term death.
Methods
Data were derived from the Medical Information Market in the Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV v2.0) database, with septic patients defined by SEPSIS-3. 30-day mortality for the primary outcome and 360-day mortality for the secondary outcome. Kaplan-Meier (KM) Survival curves were plotted to describe differences in BAR mortality in different subgroups, and area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed to a comparison of BAR + SOFA and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) performance. Multivariate Cox regression models, restricted cubic spline curves (RCS), and subgroup analysis were used to ascertain the correlation between BAR and 30-day mortality and 360-day mortality.
Results
A total of 7656 eligible patients with a median BAR of 8.0 mg/g were enrolled in the study, with 3837 patients in the ≤ 8.0 group and 3819 in the BAR > 8.0 group, with 30-day mortality rates of (19.1% and 38.2%; P < 0.001)The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.718 (95% CI: 0.705–0.731) for SOFA + BAR and 0.703 (95% CI: 0.690–0.716) for SOFA. In the subgroup analysis, BAR remained an isolated risk element for patient death. For 360-day all-cause mortality, the same pattern was observed after adjustment for the same confounders.
Conclusion
As a clinically inexpensive and readily available parameter, BAR can be a valuable forecaster of prognosis in patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit.
Use of regression models for development of a simple and effective biogas decision-support tool
Authors: Duong Cuong Manh , Lim Teng-Teeh
Published: December 2022

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an alternative way to treat manure while producing biogas as a renewable fuel. To increase the efficiency of AD performance, accurate prediction of biogas yield in difference working conditions is necessary. In this study, regression models were developed to estimate biogas production for co-digesting swine manure (SM) and waste kitchen oil (WKO) at mesophilic temperatures. Dataset was collected from the semi-continuous AD studies across nine treatments of SM and WKO, evaluated at 30, 35 and 40°C. Application of polynomial regression models and variable interactions with selected data resulted in an adjusted R2 value of 0.9656, much higher than the simple linear regression model (R2 = 0.7167). Significance of the model was observed with the mean absolute percentage error score at 4.16%. Biogas estimation using the final model resulted in the difference between predicted and actual values from 0.2–6.7%, except one treatment which was 9.8% different than observed. A spreadsheet was created to estimate biogas production and other operation factors using substrate loading rates and temperature settings. This user-friendly program can be used as a decision-support tool for providing recommendations of some working conditions and estimation of the biogas yield under different scenarios.
Clinical relationship between maxillomandibular characteristics and temporomandibular disc conditions in female patients with a skeletal class III pattern
Authors: Suntornchatchaweach Supakorn , Hoshi Kenji , Okamura Kazutoshi , Yoshiura Kazunori , Soonklang Kamonwan , Takahashi Ichiro
Published: December 2022

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between maxillomandibular characteristics and the severity of temporomandibular disc displacement in female patients with a skeletal class III (SKIII) pattern.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven samples were included. Articular disc conditions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, and 25 cephalometric variables on lateral and postero-anterior cephalograms were measured to determine their maxillomandibular characteristics. The samples were classified into three groups based on the articular disc conditions: (1) normal disc position (NDP), (2) disc displacement with reduction (DDwR), and (3) disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). The relationship between the maxillomandibular characteristics according to disc condition was examined in both a basic statistical analysis and a multivariate analysis known as principal component analysis.
Results: Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn-Bonferroni tests indicated a significant between-group difference in the deviation of mandibular characteristics seen on the postero-anterior cephalogram. The menton deviation, ramal height asymmetry index, and total mandibular length asymmetry index were significantly larger in the DDwoR group than in the NDP and DDwR groups. Furthermore, using principal component analysis, it was possible to extract all of the cephalometric variables into eight principal components. Only the principal component related to mandibular asymmetry could distinguish the SKIII samples with DDwoR from those in the other groups.
Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between mandibular asymmetry and the severity of disc displacement, particularly DDwoR, in female patients with a SKIII pattern.
Clinical Relevance: Etiologic relationship between SKIII patients with asymmetric mandible and the severity of articular disc conditions was significantly indicated in this study.
Laparoscopic Construction of Hand-sewn Roux-en-Y Limb: A Safe and Effective Means for Total Laparoscopic Radical Pediatric Choledochal Cyst Excision
Authors: Cheng Jiwen , Yang Weili , Yu Qiang , Miao ChunLin , Liu Yao , Fu JiaLu , Li Peng
Published: December 2022

Background
Laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery has become the main pediatric minimal invasive surgery for a choledochal cyst (CDC). However, the Roux-en-Y jejunal limb was created extracorporeally in most reports and intracorporeally in a few reports using an endoscopic stapler. This study aimed to validate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscope-assisted Roux-en-Y jejunal limb created intracorporeally in pediatric minimal invasive surgery for a choledochal cyst (CDC) by hand-sewing.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with CDC between January 2020 and April 2022 were included in this retrospective analysis. We collected data on clinical characteristics, operative details, time for performing hand-sewn jejunum-jejunum anastomosis, and postoperative outcomes.
Results
Hand-sewn laparoscope-assisted Roux-en-Y jejunal limb was performed successfully in 21 cases. The median age of the patient was 5.8 years. The median age at surgery was 3.3 ± 3.1 years (26 days–13.6 years). The types of cysts included 12 Ia, 7 Ic, and 2 IVa. The mean operative duration was (216.5 ± 25.2) min, intraoperative bleeding volume was7 ± 2.3 ml, average postoperative time to start oral intake was 2.1 ± 0.4 days, average postoperative drainage tube indwelling time was 2.6 ± 1.1 days, and postoperative hospital stay was 5.3 ± 1.1 days. The follow-up period was 6 to 25 months. Complications (including anastomotic stenosis or fistula, pancreatitis, cholangitis, or death) were not observed in any patients.
Conclusions
Total laparoscope-assisted construction of hand-sewn Roux-en-Y limb, excision of the cyst, and hepaticojejunostomy are feasible and safe in the treatment for pediatric CDC. It may also has the following advantages: rapid recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function, short hospitalization, no age limit on the patient and no additional hospitalization costs.
Expanded screening for neonatal inherited metabolic disorders by tandem mass spectrometry in an eastern Chinese population
Authors: Yang Xin , Sun Chuntao , Zhang Peiying , Zheng Jun , Zhang Linxin , TANG Li , Wang Yumei , Lin Xiaofei
Published: December 2022

Objective
To analyze the newborn screening results, distribution characteristics and incidence rate for inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in Huai'an.
Methods
Blood samples were collected from 97410 newborns born in Huai'an from June 2018 to December 2021. Amino acids, acylcarnitines, and succinylacetone in the blood were detected by non-derivatized MS/MS. Gene detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out to diagnose positive neonates. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results
From 2018 to 2021, the screening rate of inherited metabolic disorders detected using MS/MS in Huai'an increased from 21.15–99.53%.Twenty-five cases of inherited metabolic disease were diagnosed, and the overall incidence rate was 1/3896. Among them, there were 9 cases of disorders of amino acid metabolism(1/10823), 10 cases of disorders of organic acid metabolism(1/9741), and 6 cases of disorders of fatty acid oxidation(1/16235). The top three diseases with the highest incidence were phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency(1/12176), methylmalonic acidemia(1/24352), and primary carnitine deficiency (1/24352). Among the 25 children clinically diagnosed with IMD, 84.00% (21 cases) underwent gene diagnosis. Biallelic mutations were identified in 21 children, which were inherited from their parents.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that newborn screening for IMD by tandem mass spectrometry is necessary, which could improve the quality of patient's life and reduce the burden on family and society. More attention should be paid to the early screening, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal genetic metabolic diseases.
Adipose precursor cell-associated markgene combined with single-cell sequencing with machine learning to build an obesity prediction model
Authors: Xu Yuanxin , Cheng Weilun , Wang Yujing , Hong Xincai , Zhou Weiyu , Wang Yanru , Guo Baoliang , Kuang Hongyu , Yan Shuang
Published: December 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to Identify genes associated with adipose precursor cells(APCs), and apply machine learning methods, such as the minimum absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) and SVM recursive feature elimination (SVM-rfe), to find large obesity markers.
Method: We obtained a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset GSE133486 and three APCs RNA chip datasets GSE 24883, GSE25401 and GSE156906 from GEO.The R package was applied to find common differential genes, and key genes were obtained by LASSO with SVM-ref.
Results: THBS2, VASN, VCAN, ALDH1A3,GLUL, SLC4A4 take participate in the formation of APCs.
Conclusion: This study found that changes in different genes can regulate the occurrence and development of obesity, and discusses the possibility of these genes in the clinic.
Prevalence and factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid after emergency cesarean section: multicenter cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: tantu Temesgen , zewdu Dereje , melkamu Biruk , gunta Muluken
Published: December 2022

Background
Meconium is thick black-green fetal intestinal content starting from the early first trimester of gestation. Unfortunately, if it is released into the amniotic cavity due to any cause, it can be associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Objective
To identify the factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid among mothers after emergency cesarean section in multicenter cross-sectional study in Ethiopia from September 1, 2021, to 30, October 2021
Method
Institution based multicenter cross-sectional study was done prospectively through meticulous chart review and interview on 895 mothers who gave birth with emergency cesarean section. Data were entered using Epi data 7 and analyzed with SPSS 26. The association between independent variables and meconium-stained amniotic fluid was estimated using an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of the association was declared at P-value < 0.05
Result
The prevalence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is 31.4%. Gravidity (AOR 3.643; 95% CI: 1.215,10.921), time interval between decision to delivery (AOR 1.361; 95% CI: 0.424,4.365), eclampsia(AOR 8.022; 95% CI: 1.634,39.372), time taken from referring institution to managing institution (AOR 15.258; 95% CI: 1.591,146.328), obstructed labor (AOR 24.614; 95% CI: 6.073,99.766), cephalopelvic disproportion (AOR 2.640; 95% CI:1.002,6.950), fetal heart beat abnormality (fetal bradycardia AOR 2.068; 95%CI 0.997,4.292) (fetal tachycardia AOR 3.513; 95% CI:1.633,7.556) duration of labor(AOR 5.44; 95% CI: 1.355,9.782) and referral from health center(AOR 5.41; 95% CI: 2.053,14.272) are associated with MSAF whereas obstetric complications(AOR 6.820; 95% CI: 2.870,16.202), cesarean section scar (AOR 3.010; 95% CI: 1.344,6.740) are negatively associated.
Conclusion
Prevalence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is relatively high for which intrapartum, obstetric and institution related factors are incriminated. Therefore, an improvement in the quality of antenatal and intrapartum care is strongly recommended; professional development at the health center, building the infrastructure, and strengthening the referral system is also suggested.
Surface features and feedback type affect formation of prototype or exemplar representations in the 5/5 category learning task
Authors: Liu Zhiya , Chen Hao , Feng Jianru , Seger Carol A.
Published: December 2022

Theories of category learning have typically focused on how the underlying category structure affects the category representations acquired by learners. However, there is limited research as to how other factors such as how the category structure is instantiated as stimulus features and how feedback is structured affect what representations are learned and utilized. Across three experiments we varied the surface appearance and type of feedback while holding category structure consistent. We used a novel “5/5” categorization task developed from the well-studied 5/4 task with the addition of one more stimulus to clarify an ambiguity in the 5/4 prototypes. We used multiple methods including computational modeling to identify whether participants categorized on the basis of exemplar or prototype representations. We found substantial differences when the same structure was instantiated as schematic robot-like stimuli and richer bee-like images, in that the former was characterized by use of prototypes and the latter by use of exemplars. We also compared standard correct/incorrect feedback with point-valued feedback for the bee stimulus set and found exemplar use in the former but greater prototype use in the latter. These results indicated that in addition to the underlying structure of categories, the appearance of the stimuli, and form of feedback may affect the strategies utilized and resulting representations during category learning.
Genetic diversity, population genetic structure and gene flow in the rare and endangered wild plant Cypripedium macranthos revealed by genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Wu Qi , Dong Shang , Zhao Yuxin , Yang Lei , Qi Xiujin , Ren Zhihe , Dong Shubin , Cheng Jin
Published: December 2022

Background: Genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow in plant populations and their influencing factors are important in conservation biology. Cypripedium macranthos isone of the few wild orchids with high ornamental value in northern China. However, over the past decade, excessive collection, trading, tourism development, habitat fragmentation, deceptive pollination, and seed germination difficulties have all caused a sharp decline in the number of C. macranthos individuals and its population. In order to propose a scientific and effective conservation strategy, the genetic diversity, genetic structure and gene flow of the current CM population are urgent scientific issues to be clarified.
Results: Here, 99 individuals of C. macranthos from north and northeastChina were analyzed to evaluate the genetic diversity, gene flow among populations, and genetic structure by genotyping-by-sequencing. More than 68.44 Gbhigh-quality clean reads and 41,154 SNPs were obtained. Our data based on bioinformatics methods revealed that C. macranthos has lower genetic diversity, high levels of historical gene flow, and moderate-to-high genetic differentiation between populations. The gene migration model revealed that the direction of gene flow was mainly from northeast populations to north populations in China. The results of genetic structure analysis showed that 11 C. macranthos populations can be considered as two groups, and further divided into four subgroups. Moreover, the Mantel test detected no significant “Isolation by Distance” between populations.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the present genetic diversity andgenetic structure of C. macranthos populations weremainly caused by biological characteristics, human interference, habitat fragmentation, and restricted gene flow. Finally, constructive measures, which can provide a basis for the proposal of conservation strategies, have been suggested.
Recognition and management of hemorrhaging in combination with emerging enterogenic sepsis during a hepatectomy：a case report
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Liao Yanling , Chen Xiaoying , Fan Hanliang , Lin Daoyi , Zheng Ting , Chen Xiaohui , Gong Cansheng , Gao Fei , Jiang Jundan , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Patients with hemorrhagic shock may develop emerging enterogenic sepsis due to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier and translocation of intestinal bacteria and endotoxins caused by ischemic injury. Because of the dual effects of anesthesia state and hemorrhagic shock, perioperative emerging enterogenic sepsis is even more rare and insidious.
Case presentation: We reported a case of 56-year-old man who underwent right hepatectomy for intrahepatic bile duct stones. Severe hemorrhage occurred during the procedure and the hemodynamics neither improved nor worsened after rehydration therapy and vasoactive drug administration. Based on the patient's history and clinical presentation, a possible enterogenic sepsis was considered. After anti-infective treatment and hormone supplementation, the patient's circulation improved significantly and he had an uneventful recovery.
Conclusion: The possibility of emerging enterogenic sepsis in hemorrhagic shock must always be taken into consideration. Familiarity with the risk factors and pathophysiological alterations of enterogenic sepsis is a prerequisite for early recognition and sound clinical decision making.
Identification of Genetic Loci Associated with Five Agronomic Traits in Alfalfa Using Multi-Environment Trials
Authors: Lin Sen , Medina Cesar Augusto , Wang Guojie , Combs David , Shewmaker Glenn , Fransen Steve , Llewellyn Don , Norberg Steven , Yu Long-Xi
Published: December 2022

Yield is one of the most important agronomic traits in alfalfa breeding; however, this is a complex trait affected by genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we used multi-environment trials to test yield-related traits in a diverse panel composed of 200 alfalfa accessions and varieties. Phenotypic data of maturity (MSC), dry matter, plant height (PH), yield (Yi), and fall dormancy (FD) were collected in three locations: Idaho, Oregon, and Washington from 2018 to 2020. Single-trial and stagewise analyses within each environment were used to obtain estimated means by genotype by trait by environment. Genome-wide association studies identified a total of 84 non-redundant markers associated with the traits analyzed. Of those, 55 markers were located at 44 different loci. Ten significant SNPs at the same locus were associated with FD and they were linked to a gene annotated as a nuclear fusion defective 4-like (NFD4) protein. SNPs linked to transcription factors such as Cysteine3Histidine (C3H), Hap3/NF-YB family, and serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 7 proteins were associated with MSC, PH, and Yi, respectively. Our results provide insight into the genetic factors that influence alfalfa maturity, yield, and dormancy, which is helpful to speed up the genetic gain of alfalfa yield improvement.