bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Point Cloud Colorization of Ground-based LiDAR Data Using Video Imagery Without POS
Authors: Xu Junhao , Yao Chunjing , Ma Hongchao , Qian Chen , Wang Jie
Published: April 2023

With the continuous development of 3D city modeling, traditional close-range photogrammetry is limited by complex processing procedures and incomplete 3D depth information, making it unable to meet high-precision modeling requirements. In contrast, the integration of LiDAR and camera in mobile measurement systems provides a new and highly effective solution. The LiDAR can quickly and accurately acquire the 3D spatial coordinates of target objects, while optical imagery contains abundant color information. If the two can be integrated, they can play an important role in multiple fields such as streetscape modeling, archaeology and digital city, etc. Currently, integrated mobile measurement systems commonly require cameras, lasers, POS and IMU, thus the hardware cost is relatively expensive and the system integration is complex. Therefore, in this paper we propose a simple ground mobile measurement system composed of a LiDAR and a GoPro camera without a POS system, providing a more convenient and reliable way to automatically obtain 3D point cloud data with spectral information. The automatic point cloud coloring based on video images mainly includes four aspects: (1) Establishing models for radial distortion and tangential distortion to correct video images. (2) Establishing a registration method based on normalized Zernike moments to obtain the exterior orientation elements. Normalized Zernike moments are region-based shape descriptors that can reflect the features of images in multiple dimensions even for low-quality video images. The results show that registration based on normalized Zernike moments provides a good result, with an error accuracy of 0.5-1 pixel, which is far higher than registration based on a collinearity equation. (3) Establishing adjacent video image relative orientation based on essential matrix decomposition and nonlinear optimization. This involves uniformly using the SURF algorithm with distance restriction and RANSAC to select corresponding points, which can improve the reliability of the corresponding points. The results indicate that the accuracy of the relative orientation method is high. Moreover, this method can converge to good results for stereo image pairs with large rotation angles and displacement amounts. Therefore, relative orientation based on essential matrix decomposition and nonlinear optimization has good applicability. (4) The video imagery suffers from significant motion blur and boundary distortion. Therefore, a point cloud coloring method based on Gaussian distribution with central region restriction is adopted. Only pixels within the central region are considered valid for coloring. Then, the point cloud is colored based on the mean of the Gaussian distribution of the color set. Experimental results show that the coloring accuracy between the video imagery and point cloud data is high, meeting the accuracy requirements of applications such as tunnel detection, street-view modeling and 3D urban modeling.
Selection of patients with renal cell carcinoma for adjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab
Authors:   N.V.Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, A.A.Borodina A.A.Borodina , K.R.Azilgareeva K.R.Azilgareeva ,   International School ‘Medicine of the Future,’ I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, M.S.Taratkin M.S.Taratkin ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, D.V.Enikeev D.V.Enikeev ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2023

The problem of choosing an optimal therapy reducing the risk of relapse after surgery in patients with renal cell carcinoma is highly relevant in oncology. Targeted drugs that have been shown to be effective for metastatic renal cell carcinoma are being actively investigated as an adjuvant therapy option. However, the results of these studies are controversial. There is still no evidence that such therapy can increase overall or relapse-free survival. Novel immune drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, can change an approach to adjuvant therapy of renal cell carcinoma. In 2021, the interim results of a large-scale, randomized, double-blind trial launched in 2017 (KEYNOTE-564) were published. It analyzed the efficacy of pembrolizumab as an adjuvant therapy for renal cell carcinoma in patients after nephrectomy. Pembrolizumab significantly increased the 2-year relapse-free survival rate (77.3% vs 68.1% in the placebo group); the odds ratio for the risk of recurrence or death was 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.53–0.87; р = 0.002). Usually, RCC patients after nephrectomy tolerate pembrolizumab well; however, not all of them respond to treatment. Obviously, all candidates to receive immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, etc.) should undergo serious preliminary selection, especially those with an intermediate risk of relapses after nephrectomy, in order to optimize distribution of such drugs among patients.
Malaria Parasitic Detection using a New Deep Boosted and Ensemble Learning Framework
Authors: Khan Saddam Hussain
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Item-response theoretical examinations of a lot of bullshit: Evaluations of measures of bullshit production and reception
Authors: Blötner Christian
Published: April 2023

Scholars developed and probed measures of individual receptivity to and production of ambiguous, empty, or otherwise deceptive information that is intended to gain advantages or avoid disadvantages (so-called bullshit). All recent endeavors to scale development and evaluation were limited to classical test theory, but no study has yet applied item response theory (IRT). In a sample of 525 participants, most of the items of the Bullshit Receptivity Scale, the Scientific Bullshit Receptivity Scale, and the Bullshitting Frequency Scale revealed appropriate IRT properties in the polytomous graded response model. However, in some cases, sufficient information could be obtained only within relatively narrow spectra, or gaps of obtainable information occurred along the spectra. Furthermore, bullshit and real information statements did not function equally well. Last, statistical concerns with frequently employed bullshit sensitivity scores were discussed and recommendations for further efforts concerning item development were expressed.
Morocco's Coal to Clean Journey: Optimised Pathways for Decarbonisation and Energy Security
Authors: Harland Natasha , Jansen Malte , Yeganyan Rudolf , Tan Naomi , Cannone Carla , Howells Mark
Published: April 2023

Morocco depends on imported fossil fuels for 90% of its primary energy supply. This makes the country vulnerable to unstable fuel prices and supply cut-offs, and the reliance on fossil fuels releases CO2 emissions which contribute to climate change. Renewable energy expansion, facilitated by Morocco’s high potential for solar and wind capacity, could allow the country to improve its energy security and decarbonise its energy system, in line with its response to the Paris Agreement.

This study uses OSeMOSYS (the Open Source Energy Modelling System) to produce six cost-minimised decarbonisation scenarios for Morocco that consider energy independence. The results show that Morocco can achieve most of its decarbonisation targets through bulk wind and solar energy, with a coal phase-out being possible by 2031 at the latest. Natural gas is replaced by biomass and nuclear energy, with some evidence that fuel imports may stay relevant for the foreseeable future.

We conclude with policy recommendations. The study can provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders in Morocco's energy sector to achieve optimal pathways for decarbonisation.
Highly efficient removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water using organophilic clays obtained from simultaneous ion exchange and grafting
Authors: Funes Israel G. A. , Carlos Luciano , Parolo Maria E
Published: April 2023

The present work analyses the polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) removal from water through batch adsorption processes, using two low-cost surfactant-grafted bentonites (Mt/TPODAC-1.5 and H5-Mt/TPODAC-1.5).These materials were prepared via a modification of montmorillonite (Mt) and acid-activated bentonite (H5-Mt) by intercalation and grafting of (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) octadecyldimethylammonium chloride (TPODAC). Anthracene (ANT) was used as PAH model to assess the sorption capacity of each material. It was found that the selective modification of clay mineral has higher adsorption capacity for ANT compared with raw clay. Mt/TPODAC-1.5 and H5-Mt/TPODAC-1.5 removed 91 % and 85 % of ANT from water, respectively, while the raw bentonite (Mt) removed only 22 % under the same conditions. The adsorption isotherms were S-shaped and were fitted by the Frumkin-Fowler-Guggenheim (FFG) model, exhibiting an adsorption cooperative behaviour. The results indicate that hydrophobic and cation-π interactions ruled the ANT sorption on the modified clays. Simultaneous adsorption experiments with a mixture of 16 PAHs showed a high removal capacity of both modified clays. The promising results obtained in this work highlights the use of the TPODAC-grafted bentonite as potential sorbents to removal PAHs in a simple, economical, and environmentally friendly way.
Unexpected Dynamics in the Propagation of Fracture Fronts
Authors: Cochard Thomas , Svetlizky Ilya , Albertini Gabriele , Viesca Robert , Rubinstein Shmuel , Spaepen F , Yuan Congcong , Denolle Marine , Song Yi-Qiao , Xiao Lizhi , Weitz David
Published: April 2023

Fractures are ubiquitous and lead to catastrophic failure of materials. While fracture in a two-dimensional plane is well understood, all fractures are, in fact, extended and propagate in a three-dimensional space and their behavior is more complex. Here we show that forward propagation of a fracture front always occurs through an initial rupture, nucleated at some localized position, followed by very rapid transverse expansion at velocities as high as the Rayleigh-wave speed. We study a circular geometry to achieve an uninterrupted extended fracture front and use fluid to control the loading conditions that determine the amplitude of the forward jump; we find this amplitude correlates with the transverse velocity. Dynamic rupture simulations capture the observations for only high transverse velocity. These results highlight the importance of transverse dynamics in the forward propagation of extended fracture.
Effect of facilitatory pecha kucha presentation pedagogy on presentation preparation knowledge, skills, and learning satisfaction among nursing students: A quasi-experimental study in Tanzania
Authors: Haramba Setberth Jonas , Millanzi Walter C. , Ally Saada S.
Published: April 2023

Background: Pecha Kucha presentation is the new promising approach to student learning in the classroom that improve students’ student speaking skills, motivates the learning process, increases creativity, and enhances student engagement in learning. Pecha Kucha presentation originated from the Japanese word “chit chat” which represents a fast-paced presentation used in different discipline. It involves 20 slides, each shown in 20 seconds making a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. The study will assess the role of Pecha Kucha presentation on presentation preparation knowledge, presentation skills and learning satisfaction among nursing students in Tanzania.
Methods: The study proposes to employ uncontrolled quasi experimental study design with quantitative approach among 230 nursing students at University of Dodoma using purposeful and stratified sampling techniques. The study proposes to use the interviewer administered questionnaire to assess study variables when using Pecha Kucha presentation format to prepare and present their assignments of project works. The study will involve training of research assistants, pre-assessment of study variables, training and demonstration of Pecha Kucha presentations format to study participants, assigning topic to the study participants, submission and evaluation of participants assignments, participants presentations using Pecha Kucha format, post-intervention assessment of variables, data analysis using SPSS version 25 and reporting
Discussion: This study will address and complement the global need to invest in nursing to prepare competent nurses and midwives to solve complex health challenges through critical thinking, analysis, collaboration, and effective communication. Also, the study will address the need for WHO to increase the number of nurses and midwives with knowledge and skills to handle global economic and primary health care challenges, by ensuring all people have equal opportunity and access to health care. The study will inform policy makers, health training institutions, educators on new engaging and innovative nursing student presentation approach that enhance student creativity, critical thinking skills and consequently meaningful learning which are good indicators of learning while equipping them with survival and life skills in the 21st century to meeting the global economy and job opportunities.
Trial registration: Not applicable as this is not a trial
The release of inhibition model reproduces kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release in central synapses
Authors: Norman Christopher , Krishnakumar Shyam , Timofeeva Yulia , Volynski Kirill
Published: April 2023

Calcium-evoked release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles (SVs) is catalysed by SNARE proteins. The predominant view is that, at rest, complete assembly of SNARE complexes is inhibited (‘clamped’) by synaptotagmin and complexin molecules. Calcium binding by synaptotagmins releases this fusion clamp and triggers fast SV exocytosis. However, this model has not been quantitatively tested over physiological timescales. Here we describe an experimentally constrained computational modelling framework to quantitatively assess how the molecular architecture of the fusion clamp affects SV exocytosis. Our results argue that the “release-of-inhibition” model can indeed account for fast calcium-activated SV fusion, and that dual binding of synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 to the same SNARE complex enables synergistic regulation of the kinetics and plasticity of neurotransmitter release. The developed framework provides a powerful and adaptable tool to link the molecular biochemistry of presynaptic proteins to physiological data and efficiently test the plausibility of calcium-activated neurotransmitter release models.
Analysis on the shadow price of carbon emissions from China’s forestry fruit industry ---taking peaches as an example
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Chao
Published: April 2023

The shadow price of carbon emissions can measure the marginal output effect under the carbon emission regulation and is also one of the key indicators to construct a low-carbon development path for production units. Currently, international research on shadow price is focused on the industrial and energy sectors. However, in the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets in China, the use of shadow price to study the cost of reducing emissions from agricultural production, especially forestry fruit industries, is significant. In this paper, we use a parametric approach to construct the quadratic ambient directed distance function. Using the input-output data of peach, we then calculate the environmental technical efficiency and shadow price of carbon emissions from peach production in Guangxi, Jiangsu, Shandong and Anhui provinces, and further estimate the values of green output in each province. The results show that: (i) the environmental technical efficiency of peach production in Jiangsu province is the highest among the four provinces, and that in Guangxi province is the lowest; and (ii) the marginal cost of reducing carbon emissions from peach production in Guangxi province is the lowest among the four provinces, and that in Sichuan province is the highest; and (iii) the green output value of the peach industry in Jiangsu province is the highest among the four provinces, while that in Guangxi province is the lowest. To effectively reduce the carbon emissions during peach production without affecting economic benefits, Areas with "low cost and low efficiency" are advised to increase the application of green environmental technologies while reducing the production input during peach production. While, in areas with "high cost and low efficiency", we should increase the application of green environmental technologies, but not easily reduce the production input in the peach production process. The proposal for the peach production could also be extended to the entire forestry fruit industries.
Practice Design of Ship Thin Section Considering Prevention of Welding Induced Buckling
Authors: Zhou Hong , Yi Bin , Wang Jiangchao , Shen Chaonan
Published: April 2023

The lightweight fabrication of thin-walled cabin sections is popular for advanced ships, and the dimensional tolerance generated by welding buckling significantly influences the fabrication accuracy and schedule with post-straightening. A typical thin section employed in the superstructure of a high-tech passenger ship is considered as the research object. Conventional fabrication procedures and welding conditions were examined beforehand with combined thermal elastic plastic (TEP) and elastic FE computations based on theory of welding inherent deformation, while welding buckling was represented with identical behavior compared with fabrication observation. Actually, there are usually two methods to prevent welding buckling with advanced fabrication. Stiffeners with optimized geometrical features and excellent elasticity moduli were assembled to enhance the rigidity of the ship thin section, and less welding inherent deformation with advanced welding methods can be employed to reduce mechanical loading. Computational results show that either less in-plane welding inherent strain or higher structural rigidity can reduce the magnitude of welding induced buckling, and avoid the generation of welding induced buckling during lightweight fabrication.
Transitioning to Plant-based Diets: Exploring the Environmental Nutrition Performance of 24 Composite Diet Scenarios
Authors: Kwofie Ebenezer , Aidoo Raphael , Abe-Inge Vincent , Baum Jamie , Kubow Stan
Published: April 2023

The potential environmental and nutritional benefits of plant-based dietary shifts require thorough investigation to outline suitable routes to achieve these benefits. Whereas dietary consumption is usually in composite forms, sustainable healthy diet assessments have not adequately addressed composite diets. In this study, we build on available data in the Food4HealthyLife calculator to develop 3 dietary concepts (M) containing 24 model composite diet scenarios (S) assessed for their environmental and nutritional performances. The Health Nutritional Index (HENI) and Food Compass scoring systems were used for nutritional quality profiling and estimates of environmental impact were derived from previously reported midpoint impact values for foods listed in the What We Eat in America database. The diets were ranked using the Kruskal‒Wallis nonparametric test, and a dual-scale data chart was employed for a trade-off analysis to identify the optimal composite diet scenario. The results showcased a distinct variation in ranks for each scenario on the environment and nutrition scales, describing an inherent nonlinear relationship between environmental and nutritional performances. However, trade-off analysis revealed a diet with 10% legumes, 0.11% red meat, 0.28% processed meat and 2.81% white meat could reduce global warming by 54.72% while yielding a diet quality of 74.13 on the Food Compass Scoring system. These observations provide an interesting forecast of the benefits of transitioning to an optimal plant- and animal-based dieting pattern, which advances global nutritional needs and environmental stewardship among consumers.
Reduction of ASZ size and enhancement of mechanical properties of TLP bonded IN718 joint using post bond heat treatment process
Authors: Tarai Uttam Kumar , Pal Sukhomay , Robi P S
Published: April 2023

Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding can be used to join Inconel 718 superalloy because the bond properties are similar to the parent material properties and little melting of base material. Presence of centerline eutectic and boride precipitates in the microstructure of the TLP bonded Inconel 718 joints affects mechanical properties of the joints. The eutectics and borides should be minimized to enhance the mechanical properties of the bond. This can be achieved to a great extent by prolonged isothermal holding. However, it can induce adverse effects by modifying the microstructure of the base material. Post bond heat treatment (PBHT) processes can be implemented to improve the mechanical properties without inducing any harmful effect of prolonged heating. In the present work, the effect of PBHT technique (i.e. solution treatment and double aging) on the microstructural evolution and improvement in mechanical properties were investigated. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and microhardness of TLP bond before and after the PBHT were analyzed and compared with the as-received workpiece. FESEM, FETEM and XRD analysis were used to quantify different precipitates formed during PBHT of TLP bond. The results showed that the PBHT improved the microstructure and mechanical properties of the bonded samples. After the solution treatment and double aging, a maximum UTS of 1210 MPa was obtained, which correspond to a 113.5% increase. The improvement of bond strength was attributed to increase volume fraction of γ' and γ" type strengthening phases during double aging and a decrease in the fraction of Nb-Mo type borides in the diffusion affected zone.
Ileoileal knotting a rare cause of double loop small bowel obstruction, diagnostic and intraoperative challenge at Ethiopian Leku district hospital,sidama region, April 2023 ,case report
Authors: Specialist) Asfaw Kibret(Senior integrated Emergency surgery profesional
Published: April 2023

Background: Intestinal obstruction is common cause for abdominal surgeries. Among the causes for intestinal obstruction ileal knotting is the unusual and rare cause with very few case reports in the globe and in Ethiopia. Almost all cases were intraoperative surprises. We report a case of strangulated closed small bowel loop obstruction caused by ileoileal knotting at distal ileum near to ileocecal junction, its diagnostic and management challenges and the role of the “Integrated Emergency surgical officers(IESO)’’ for early emergency surgical interventions in district primary hospitals in Ethiopia where there is scarce general specialist surgeon.
Case presentation: Here we discuss a 78yrs old male Ethiopian patient presented to our district hospital with sign symptoms of strangulated small bowel obstruction and exploratory laparatomy was done with intraoperative surprise of ileoileal knot with gangrenous closed loop obstruction at ileocecal junction. The gangrenous segment was resected and ileo-ascending colon anastomosis was done.The post operative stay was uneventful and patient discharged on his 7th post operation date.
Conclusion: Here we present this case to highlight difficulty of preoperative diagnosis and the need of high index of suspicion as well as the management challenges of resection anastomosis when the knot is near to ileocecal junction and the undeniable role of emergency surgical officers for early interventions of such emergency cases who need early interventions.
Yeast diversity in pit mud and related volatile compounds in fermented Zaopei of Chinese Strong-flavour Baijiu
Authors: Yan Shoubao , Yang Jie , Shen TingTing , Guang Jiaquan , Cuie Shi
Published: April 2023

Chinese strong-flavour liquor is produced via a traditional solid-state fermentation strategy facilitated by live microorganisms in pit mud-based cellars. For the present analysis, pit mud samples from different spatial locations within fermentation cellars were collected, and the yeast communities therein were assessed via culture-based and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) approaches. These analyses revealed significant differences in the composition of yeast communities present in different layers of pit mud. In total, 29 different yeast species were detected, and principal component analyses revealed clear differences in microbial diversity in pit mud samples taken from different cellar locations. Culture-dependent strategies similarly detected 20 different yeast species in these samples. However, while Geotrichum silvicola, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Saturnispora silvae, Issatchenkia orientalis, Candida mucifera, Kazachstania barnettii, Cyberlindnera jadinii, Hanseniaspora spp., Alternaria tenuissima, Cryptococcus laurentii, Metschnikowia spp., and Rhodotorula dairenensis were detected via a PCR-DGGE approach, they were not detectable in culture-dependent analyses. In contrast, culture-based approaches led to the identification of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Debaryomyces hansenii in these pit mud samples, whereas they were not detected using DGGE fingerprints profiles. An additional HS-SPME-GC-MS-based analysis of the volatile compounds present in fermented Zaopei samples led to the identification of 66 such compounds, with the highest levels of volatile acids, esters, and alcohols being detected in fermented Zaopei from lower layer samples. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) suggested they were significant correlations between pit mud yeast communities and associated volatile compounds in fermented Zaopei.
Evaluation of ‘implications for research’ sections in systematic reviews of interventions in advanced cancer patients – a meta-research study
Authors: Siemens W. , Bantle G. , Ebner C. , Blümle A. , Becker G. , Schwarzer G. , Meerpohl J. J.
Published: April 2023

Background
Implications for research (IfR) sections are an important part of systematic reviews (SRs) in healthcare. The PRISMA 2020 statement recommends discussion of the implications of the results for practice, while Cochrane Reviews require an IfR section. However, it is unclear to what extent systematic reviews discuss IfR and if this section is useful.
We aimed i) to assess whether systematic reviews include an IfR section and ii) to evaluate which elements informed reporting of IfR.
Methods
We conducted a meta-research study based on SRs of interventions in advanced cancer patients from a previous project (CRD42019134904).
We assessed if the following predefined IfR variables were referred to in the included SRs: patients, intervention, control, outcome, study design (PICOS); Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) domains: risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, publication bias. Data were independently extracted by three reviewers after piloting the data extraction form. Discrepancies were resolved in weekly in-depth discussions.
Results
We included 261 SRs. The majority evaluated a pharmacological intervention (244, 93.5%); twenty-nine were Cochrane Reviews (11.1%).
Four out of five SRs included an IfR section (210, 80.5%). PICOS elements commonly addressed in IfR sections were ‘intervention’ (121, 57.6%), ‘patient‘ (113, 53.8%) and ‘study design’ (107, 51.0%). The most frequent PICOS combinations were ‘patient and intervention‘ (71, 33.8%) and ‘patient, intervention and study design‘ (34, 16.2%).
GRADE domains were rarely used for informing IfR recommendations: ‘risk of bias‘ (2, 1.0%), and ‘imprecision‘ (1, 0.5%), ‘inconsistency‘ (1, 0.5%).
Additional factors informing IfR recommendations were considerations on cost effectiveness (9, 4.3%), reporting standards (4, 1.9%), and individual patient data meta-analysis (4, 1.9%).
Conclusion
Although four out of five systematic reviews of our sample included an IfR section, these were mostly considering only selected PICOS elements and GRADE domains were used rarely to guide future research recommendations.
In the absence of established reporting standards, we propose more comprehensive and structured IfR sections in SRs informed by PICOS elements and GRADE domains. We suggest further empirical and theoretical work to eventually develop guidance on what IfR elements to consider and how to report IfR in SRs of interventions.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respiratory viruses in hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections in Suzhou, southeast of China
Authors: Chen Sainan , Xu Xueyun , Zhou Luting , Yuan Qi , Wu Min , Shao Xuejun , Wang Yuqing
Published: April 2023

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the use of multifaceted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate disease spread. NPIs also have an impact on the prevalence of non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses. We aimed to explore the prevalence of common respiratory viruses among hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in Suzhou, southeast China, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods Medical records and nasopharyngeal specimens of children hospitalized with LRTIs in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University from 2018 to 2021 were collected. Seven common respiratory viruses, namely, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), influenza virus types A and B (IV-A and IV-B), parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3 (PIV l to 3), were detected by direct immunofluorescence. Fluorescent quantitative PCR was performed to detect Bocavirus (HBoV), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) was performed to detect human respiratory rhinovirus (HRV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Results A total of 13873 children including 8429 (60.8%) patients in 2018-2019 and 5444(39.2%) patients in 2020-2021 were enrolled. The total detection rate of respiratory viruses was 40.2% in 2018-2019 and 39.9% in 2020-2021. There was a high prevalence of HRV in June-September 2020 (after the reopening of schools), which was higher than the prevalence observed in June-September in 2018 and 2019. The detection rate of RSV decreased sharply in February 2020. After the schools were fully reopened in September 2020, the number of RSV cases gradually increased and peaked in December 2020 and January 2021.From July-September 2021, there was an unexpected mini-peak of RSV. The prevalence of IV decreased significantly after the COVID-19 epidemic, especially IV-A, but there were no significant changes in the age of infection and the epidemic season. HBoV, HMPV, PIV1~3, and ADV showed different degrees of changes in the detection rate and season of infection before and after the COVID-19 epidemic.
Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, the detection rates of common respiratory viruses in Suzhou, southeast China, have changed differently with strict NPIs. Understanding the changes in the detection of respiratory pathogens after the epidemic will help clinicians develop early coping strategies. Key words: COVID-19, children, respiratory viruses, NPIs, viral interference
In silico predicted compound targeting the IQGAP1-GRD domain selectively inhibits growth of human acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Deepak M. , Liesveld Jane L. , Minhajuddin Mohammad , Singh Niloy A. , Nath Subhangi , Kumar Vishuwes M. , Balys Marlene , Evans Andrew G. , Azadniv Mitra , Hansen Jeanne N. , Becker Michael W. , Sharon Ashoke , Thomas V Kaye , Moore Richard G. , Khera Manoj K. , Jordan Craig T. , Singh Rakesh K.
Published: April 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is fatal in majority of adults. Identification of new therapeutic targets and their pharmacologic modulators are needed to improve outcomes. Previous studies had shown that immunization of rabbits with normal peripheral WBCs that had been incubated with fluorodinitrobenzene elicited high titer antibodies that bound to a spectrum of human leukemias. We report that proteomic analyses of immunoaffinity-purified lysates of primary AML cells showed enrichment of scaffolding protein IQGAP1. Immunohistochemistry and gene-expression analyses confirmed IQGAP1 mRNA overexpression in various cytogenetic subtypes of primary human AML compared to normal hematopoietic cells. shRNA knockdown of IQGAP1 blocked proliferation and clonogenicity of human leukemia cell-lines. To develop small molecules targeting IQGAP1 we performed in-silico screening of 212,966 compounds, selected 4 hits targeting IQGAP1-GRD domain, and conducted SAR of ‘fittest hit’ to identify UR778Br, a prototypical agent targeting IQGAP1. UR778Br inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and colony formation by leukemia cell-lines and primary-AML while sparing normal marrow cells. IQGAP1/F-actin showed co-localization and UR778Br induced filopodia formation in U937 cells. UR778Br exhibited favorable ADME/T profiles and drug-likeness to treat AML. In summary, AML shows dependency on IQGAP1 and UR778Br, identified through in-silico studies, selectively targeted AML cells while sparing normal marrow.
Providing a multi-objective sustainable distribution network of agricultural items considering uncertainty and time window
Authors: Eshlaghy Abbas Toloie , Daneshvar Amir , Chobar Adel Pourghader
Published: April 2023

In this article, a sustainable network of distribution of agricultural items with suppliers, distribution centers, and retailers is considered. The main purpose of presenting the mathematical model in this article is to determine the optimal number and location of suppliers, assigning suppliers to distribution centers and optimal routing for the distribution of agricultural items to retailers in a predefined time window. Also, determining the optimal amount of inventory and the reorder point in retailers and distribution centers is another problem decision. To model the problem, some parameters of the model were considered non-deterministic and were controlled by the probabilistic fuzzy method. The results of solving numerical examples in different sizes showed that with the increase of the total costs of the distribution network of agricultural items, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions decreases, and the employment rate increases. Also, with the increase of the uncertainty rate, due to the increase of the real demand and the change in the optimal amount of production, distribution, storage and reorder point, the values ​​of all the objective functions also increase. It was also observed by solving different numerical examples with NSGA II and MOGWO algorithms, these algorithms have been able to solve the problem in a much shorter period than the epsilon constraint method, and comparison indicators such as NPF, MSI, SM, and computing time show These algorithms have a high efficiency in solving numerical examples of the problem of the distribution network of agricultural items.
Geochemistry and 14C dating of guano deposits in the Karaftu Cave, Kurdistan, Iran: Implication for palaeoenvironment
Authors: Amin-Rasouli Hadi , Minami Masayo , Armstrong-Altin John , Jou Nasim Haghighat , Moradi Mehdi
Published: April 2023

Karaftu Cave in the northwest of Divandareh includes four floors plus an underground area. The bat hall and its underground area are covered with guano deposits. 14C dating indicates the onset of guano deposition is about 14260±50 BP years, and its average accumulation rate is about 4.1 mm/yr for depths of 360 to 205 cm. Bacterial and fungal metabolisms decay guano, release acids, and disperse large amounts of microorganisms inside the cave. Interactions between acids and guano caused leaching, dissolution, change in the distribution, and abundance of elements, which leads to the formation of secondary minerals in guano. These variations in minerals and elements also depend on the local climatic conditions. Distribution of elements in the Ce/Ce* verse Pr/Pr* diagram and the correlation coefficient between Ce and Mn display three different paleoclimate conditions (dry, wet, and dry) during the accumulation of the guano. Also, dolomite, phosphate, and iron oxide minerals have been formed during the passage of water through bedrock beneath the guano. This water is unsuitable for drinking and harmful to the organisms in the region. Effect of these acids on the substrate also leads to the collapse of the cave floor, generation of a new underground, fall in the groundwater level, change in the groundwater drainage system, drying of springs around the cave, loss of green cover, and a negative impact on the ecosystem in the region. To keep the cave environment clean and remove these problems, it is better to harvest guano and use it as fertilizer.
First-principles study of structure, electrical and magnetic properties of Sc doped armchair Silicene nanoribbons
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tung
Published: April 2023

In this project, we studying the structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of adsorption of Sc on Armchair Silicene nanoribbons (ASiNRs) in three steps. The first, the hollow position is chosen from four positions bridge, hollow, valley, and top because adsorbed energy is the largest. The second, with the bond length, Si-Si is 2.36 Å, and adsorption energy – 4.18 eV is the best structure state. Finally, the high Sc atom on the surface ASiNRs 1.25 Å was optimized. The result after Sc adsorbed ASiNRs, new materials are semi-metal, they have a magnetic property as candidates for the spintronic device, the electronic device in future.
Changes in attachment patterns in children who were sexually abused during early childhood: A decade of follow-up study
Authors: Tsang Vionna M. W. , Duin Esther M. , Abrahamse Marielle E. , Gigengack Maj R. , Brilleslijper-Kater Sonja N. , Verhoeff Arnoud P. , Jonkman Caroline S. , Noom Marc J. , Lindauer Ramon J.L. , Verlinden Eva
Published: April 2023

Background The quality of parent–child attachment is one of the essential factors related to the possible outcomes in the aftermath of child sexual abuse (CSA). The types of attachment insecurity are well-known, as are its mediating effects on CSA and the other way around. However, one of the main issues relating to what we know about the long-term development of those attachment patterns is the aftermath of CSA in very young children. Our study is part of the larger, ongoing Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case (ASAC) study. It provides new insights into the existing scientific literature because it concerns an exceptional study population consisting of extrafamilial sexual abuse, juridical proof of the sexual abuse, the extremely young age at the time of onset, and it provides insight into attachment patterns over a period of more than 10 years after CSA.Methods We have aimed to look into the parent–child attachment relationship in a unique group of children who have been sexually abused at a very young age (0–3 years old) using parent-report questionnaires over a period of a decade: from the start of the study 3 years after the disclosure of CSA until 13 years after CSA.Results These longitudinal results show fluctuations in reported attachment insecurity levels over the years. From 10 years after CSA and thereafter, we found levels of attachment insecurity to have decreased. Nevertheless, all children between 10 years after CSA and 13 years after CSA showed clinical levels of attachment insecurity.Conclusions To conclude, insecure attachment patterns in the aftermath of CSA appear to apply to children who were sexually abused during infancy or early childhood, even if the perpetrator is not a primary caregiver. Additionally, the results indicate the importance of long-term monitoring for children as well as their parents not only in the treatment of symptoms but also in terms of family support and parent–child attachment. Further longitudinal and multi-informant studies are needed to elucidate these results.
Cost drivers and financial burden for cancer-affected families in China: a systematic review
Authors: Jia Yufei , Jiang Weixi , Yang Bolu , Tang Shenglan , Long Qian
Published: April 2023

Background: Cancer has been the leading cause of death in China and imposes heavy burdens on individuals and the health system. China’s cancer control plan includes efforts to mitigate financial hardship for the affected households in the context of ongoing health system reform. However, evidence is limited about how the affected families afford cancer care.
Methods: This systematic review is to map medical, non-medical, and indirect costs incurred by cancer care, the financial burden for patients, and their economic coping strategies from 2009 onwards. We included original quantitative studies conducted in mainland China that reported out-of-pocket payment for cancer care and patients’ coping strategies in English or Chinese We searched PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane and two Chinese databases (CNKI and WanFang Data) from January 1st 2009 to 10th August 2022. We introduced ten quality criteria for quality assessment of the included studies according to the standards for reporting observational studies. We reported components of costs and coping strategies narratively and presented costs as a percentage of household income.
Results: Annual mean medical costs (including inpatient and outpatient costs and fees for self-purchasing drugs) ranged from US$7421 to US$10297 (an unweighted average of US$8794) per patient. In a study that investigated medical costs for five years, inpatient costs accounted for 51.6% of total medical costs, followed by self-purchasing drugs (43.9%). The estimation of non-medical and indirect costs varied considerably. Annual medical costs as a percentage of annual household income ranged from 36.0% to 63.1% with a meta-proportion of 51.0%. The common coping strategies included borrowing money, reduction of household expenses and expenses from basic health services.
Conclusions: Costs of inpatient care and self-purchasing drugs are major drivers of medical costs for cancer care, and many affected households shoulder a very heavy financial burden. This will require strengthening stewardship for cancer control and multi-sector cooperation to mitigate the risk of financial hardship.
Autophagy and nuclear morphometry are associated with histopathologic features in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Iserhard Ricardo , Pilar Emily Ferreira Salles , Hehn Francine , Callegari-Jacques Sídia Maria , Ferst Paula , Visioli Fernanda , Lopez Patrícia Luciana da Costa , Filippi-Chiela Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Less than 15% of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) survive five years after the diagnosis. A better understanding of the biology of these tumors and the development of clinical biomarkers is necessary. Autophagy is a physiological mechanism involved in the turnover of cellular components, playing critical roles in cancer. In this study, we evaluated the differential levels of three major autophagy regulators (SQSTM1, MAP1LC3B, and BECN1) in ESCC patients. We associated autophagy with histopathologic features, including the differentiation grade, mitotic rate, inflammation score, and the intensity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. We also assessed the nuclear morphometry of the tumor parenchyma and associated it with autophagy and histopathology. The three markers were significantly increased in ESCC in comparison to control. Based on the mean expression of each protein in the control group, 57% of ESCC patients showed high levels of the three markers, compared to 14% in controls. The most frequent profiles found in ESCC were BECNhigh/MAP1LC3high and BECNhigh/SQSTM1high. Using the TCGA database, we found that the autophagy is upregulated in ESCC. Furthermore, high levels of autophagy markers were associated with poor prognosis. Considering the nuclear morphometry, ESCC samples showed a significant reduction in nuclear area, which strongly correlated negatively with autophagy. Finally, the percentage of normal nuclei was associated with tumor differentiation, while lower levels of SQSTM1 were observed in poorly differentiated tumors. We found that the ESCC progression may involve an increase of autophagy and alterations in the nuclear structure, associated with clinically relevant histopathological features.
Do the change in β-hCG values between the 0th and 4th day in tubal ectopic pregnancy treatment with a single-dose methotrexate (MTX) protocol, predict the need for a second dose of MTX?
Authors: REIS Yıldız AKDAS , AKAY Arife , Özkan Merve , Fıratlıgil Fahri Burcin , Dereli Murat Levent , Kınay Tuğba , Erkaya Salim
Published: April 2023

Aim: The single-dose methotrexate (MTX) regimen is effective and minimizes side effects but an additional 2nd dose is needed in case of failure in an ectopic pregnancy (EP). We aimed to predict the additional MTX dose by evaluating the change in β-hCG values between day 0 and day 4 in EPs with administered single-dose MTX regimen.
Method: A total of 454 tubal EPs between 2013 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Cases cured with a single dose of MTX without an additional dose were accepted as the control group, and cases under a single-dose regimen were cured by applying a second dose of MTX on the 7th day were accepted as the study group. Obstetric and demographic characteristics and the change in β-hCG values compared in both groups.
Results: Age, body mass index (BMI), gravida, smoking, abdominal surgery, presence of IUDs, initial β-hCG levels (0th day), and EP size were similar in both groups, but the presence of previous EP history was significantly higher in the study group. The change of β-hCG from days 0 and 4 determined that a 20% increase predicts the need for a 2nd dose of MTX with 72.4% sensitivity, and 87.8% negative predictive value (NPV).
Conclusion: The single-dose MTX protocol is successful in 83.3% of convenient cases (as the control group), but, an increase of 20% in β-hCG between days 0 and 4 predicts the patients that need to be administered 2nd dose MTX, and thus, a double-dose MTX protocol will be achieved early.
New data on Neanderthal behavior in the Altai Region, Russia
Authors: Kolobova Kseniya A. , Kharevich Alena V. , Vasilyev Sergei K. , Kharevich Vladimir M. , Bocharova Ekaterina N. , Chistyakov Pavel V. , Olsen John W. , Krivoshapkin Andrei I.
Published: April 2023

Until recently, only two sites yielding Micoquian/KMG lithic assemblages were known in the Russian Altai Region, which are the result of Late European Neanderthal migrations from Eastern Europe. European Micoquian/KMG sites, often located in close proximity to one another, vary functionally, reflecting complex behavioral patterns of Neanderthal populations. Conversely, two sites in the Altai Region are identified as base camps only, suggesting that sites with other functions either have yet been undiscovered or destroyed by post-depositional processes. Here, we present new data from Verkhnyaya Sibiryachikha Cave, located close to Okladnikov Cave in southern Siberia. A stone tool typical of the Micoquian/KMG was recovered from Verkhnyaya Sibiryachikha Layers 3, chronologically overlapping Neanderthal cultural strata uncovered in Okladnikov Cave. The tool’s typology and chronology suggest that it belonged to a Neanderthal from Okladnikov Cave. Verkhnyaya Sibiryachikha Cave may have been used as a game observation point for hunters pursuing prey in the river valley below. Like their European cousins, late Neanderthals in the Altai Region explored areas near their habitations, which suggests no significant changes in the behavior of the Neanderthal population that migrated eastward into Siberia.