bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Down-Selection of Repurposed Drug Candidates for COVID-19
Authors: MacRaild Christopher A. , Mohammed Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman , Faheem Faheem , Murugesan Sankaranarayanan , Styles Ian K. , Peterson Amanda L. , Kirkpatrick Carl M.J. , Cooper Matthew A. , Palombo Enzo A. , Simpson Moana M. , Jain Hardik Ashish , Agarwal Vinti , McAuley Alexander J. , Kumar Anupama , Creek Darren J. , Trevaskis Natalie L. , Vasan Seshadri S.
Published: September 2022

SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than six million lives worldwide, devastating the economy and overwhelming healthcare systems globally. The development of new drug molecules and vaccines has played a critical role in managing the pandemic; however, new variants of concern still pose a significant threat as the current vaccines cannot prevent all infections. This situation calls for the collaboration of biomedical scientists and healthcare workers across the world. Repurposing approved drugs is an effective way of fast-tracking new treatments for recently emerged diseases. To this end, we have assembled and curated a database consisting of 7817 compounds from the Compounds Australia Open Drug collection. We developed a set of eight filters based on indicators of efficacy and safety that were applied sequentially to down-select drugs that showed promise for drug repurposing efforts against SARS-CoV-2. Considerable effort was made to evaluate approximately 14000 assay data points for SARS-CoV-2 FDA/TGA-approved drugs and provide an average activity score for 3539 compounds. The filtering process identified 12 FDA approved molecules with established safety profiles that have a plausible mechanism for treating COVID-19 disease. The methodology developed in our study provides a template for prioritising repurposable drug candidates that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective for the treatment of COVID-19, long COVID, or any other future disease. We present our database in an easy-to-use interactive interface (CoviRx, https://www.covirx.org/) that was also developed to enable scientific community to access to the data of over 7000 potential drugs and to implement alternative prioritisation and down-selection strategies.
ULP Super Regenerative Transmitter with Digital Quenching Signal Controller
Authors: Kayed Somaya , Saleh Sherif , Shawkey Heba Ahmed
Published: September 2022

This paper demonstrates an on-off keying (OOK) super-regenerative quenching transmitter operating in 402- 405MHz MICs band applications. To reduce power consumption, the transmitter is controlled by a novel digital quenching signal controller that generates a digital control signal to start transmitter operation when a baseband signal is input to the transmitter. The digital signal controller consists of an envelope detector, a comparator, and a quench timer designed using a state machine to synchronize the operation between the digital controller and the input baseband signal. The transmitter consists of a Colpitts oscillator operating in double operating frequency followed by a frequency divider by 2, this configuration reduces system area and improves phase noise and signal spectrum. The proposed transmitter is implemented using UMC 130nm CMOS technology, and a 1.2V supply. Simulation shows that the proposed transmitter can meet MICS band mask specifications with data rates up to 1Mbps and total power dissipation of 537uW.
A Literature Review on Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Nursing Philosophy
Authors: Pratiwi Ika Nur , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo , Nursalam Nursalam
Published: September 2022

BackgroundGood management behavior in patients with diabetes mellitus can reduce disease complications and improve quality of life. This philosophical problem is very important for nurses who are able to provide management care for diabetic patients. The purpose of this literature review is to describe the concept, model or theory that can be used in improving the management of diabetes mellitus patients.MethodsThe method used is by searching several studies published through the Scopus database, PubMed, CINAHL, SpingerLink, and web of science (WOS). The search strategy uses a combination of the terms MeSH Terms. The research questions were designed using the principles of the PICOS framework. Selected studies were published from 2017-2022.ResultsA total of 15 studies were included, with 12 using quantitative methodology and 3 were qualitative. The studies were conducted across various countries. The majority of articles used the concept of self-management intervention based on digital-based development and e-health (n=6), Dorothea Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory n=2) and the transtheoretical model (n=2). These concepts, models and theories are able to improve good self-management through lifestyle changes, psychosocial, cultural acculturation and increase in spiritual values (n=6).ConclusionTransitional change focuses on changing the modifiable factors found in the concepts, models and theories of the articles obtained. Future research can be developed to assess the existence of elaborations and modifications based on the philosophy that people with diabetes are responsible for their own health.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Plastic Pollution among Malaysians
Authors: Coco Chin Ka Ke , Mahanta Janardan , Nath Tapan Kumar
Published: September 2022

Excessive production, consumption and indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste cause an increasing plastic pollution with detrimental impacts on environment and human health. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards plastic pollution among Malaysians and evaluate the variation of plastic pollution related KAP among various socio-demographics. An online survey was conducted, and 294 valid responses was obtained. Descriptive statistics, KAP scoring and cross tabulation of responses were estimated. One-way analysis of variance, paired t-test and binary logistic regressions were carried out. Results showed that respondents had poor knowledge (mean 7.41 ± 1.80) and practice score (3.81 ± 1.39) across all socio-demographics. Compared to younger (18-30 years) respondents, older ones (>46 years) had higher knowledge (odds ratio, OR 4.304; p<0.01). However, middle aged (31-45 years) respondents reported significantly (p<0.01) higher attitude (OR 4.019) and practice (OR 4.056; p <0.05). Respondents with environmental related university education had showed higher odds about plastic pollution related knowledge (OR 10.343; p<0.01). Suggestions are made to undertake interventions such as environmental awareness creation, incorporating plastic pollution topics in formal and informal education, and providing recycling facilities nearby the localities for encouraging good practices towards minimizing plastic uses and pollution.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Syphilis Research in Last Hundred Years in Scopus Database (1921-2021)
Authors: CHAKRABORTY SAGNIK , Mahajan Nupur , Balaji Sivaraman , Nigam Kuldeep , Aggarwal Sumit
Published: September 2022

Sexually transmitted infections encompass considerable effects on human sexual and reproductive health. Its presence is ubiquitous despite decades of prevention and management. The present study has been conducted to provide an insightful bibliometric analysis of syphilis based on the Scopus repository. Therefore, given the dearth of a consolidated bibliometric analysis on Syphilis, this investigation aimed to compile the literature of the last century (1921-2021) to gain insight into the publications pertinent to the burden, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Syphilis. In this study, we have provided the year-wise, and subject-wise publications, type of articles, country, funding organizations, institutions, citations, and H-index. The data obtained from the Scopus database was exported to CSV file format and then converted to Microsoft Excel version for analysis to curtail the chances of error in the information. It has been evidenced that the USA possesses the highest track of proven publications. Therefore, this study considerably contributes to the future leaders, researchers & specialists/ clinicians of the domain
Ghrelin Downregulates Lipopolysaccharide/ Leptin-Induced MUC5AC Expression in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Choi Yoon Seok , Na Hyung Gyun , Bae Chang Hoon , Song Si-Youn , Kim Yong-Dae
Published: September 2022

Objectives. Obesity, which induces chronic low-grade systemic inflammation in the human body, is a known risk factor for various diseases. Recent studies have shown associations between various otorhinolaryngological diseases and obesity. In particular, inflammatory sinonasal diseases have been found to be strongly associated with obesity-related proinflammatory mediators. Many studies have been conducted to identify therapeutic agents for controlling obesity-related inflammatory airway diseases. Ghrelin, an endogenous peptide from the stomach, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in a wide range of tissues. However, the effect of ghrelin on the regulation of mucus secretion has not yet been studied in the human nasal mucosa. Therefore, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/leptin-mediated MUC5AC expression and mechanisms involved in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs).Methods. In HNEpCs, the effect and signaling pathways of ghrelin on LPS/leptin-induced MUC5AC expression were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassays, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining.Results. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a) was expressed in the HNEpCs. Ghrelin downregulated LPS/leptin-induced MUC5AC expression, which was abolished by D-Lys-3-growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (D-Lys-3-GHRP-6). Ghrelin significantly inhibited LPS/leptin-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These ghrelin-mediated changes in MAPK activation were abolished by D-Lys-3-GHRP-6. These results showed that ghrelin inhibits LPS/leptin-induced MUC5AC overexpression by modulating the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways in HNEpCs.Conclusion. These findings suggest that ghrelin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating obesity-related inflammatory sinonasal diseases.
Operational modeling of large container-type vessel-generated waves with related erosion and scour effects
Authors: Lam Michael-Angelo Y.-H. , Malej Matt , Shi Fengyan
Published: September 2022

In this report, the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, presents a numerical modeling study using FUNWAVE-TVD to investigate ship-induced waves of large container-type vessels with related erosion and scour effects. The new vessel wake generating models implemented in the FUNWAVE-TVD Vessel Module are presented and validated against field data in the Sabine-Neches Waterway, Texas. Utilizing the Sediment Transport and Morphology Change Modules, ship wake-induced erosion is analyzed to assess potential impacts to Sabine-to-Galveston Hurricane Flood Protection Systems.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Farmer Regarding The Use of Antibiotic and Its Resistance in Broiler Chicken at Aceh Besar Farm
Authors: Fajar Aulia Malik , Rastina Rastina , Jalalluddin Muhammad , Ismail Ismail , Hanafiah Muhammad , Ferasyi Teuku Reza
Published: September 2022

This study aims to assess farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics in broiler chickens in Aceh Besar Farm. The respondents' population was obtained from 13 farmers who were interviewed, and the results obtained were 13 samples with a margin of error of 5%. Data were collected by interview using an open questionnaire that had been validated. The validity test results of farmers' knowledge and attitudes have a value of r 0.5529, which means that they are declared valid. The reliability test results of knowledge and attitudes of animal husbandry have a value of 0.60, so both are declared reliable. Data were analyzed using independent t-test. Based on the interview results, 80% of the farmer respondents in Aceh Besar had good knowledge of the use of antibiotics, 93.33% of respondents gave antibiotics according to clinical symptoms. Farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics based on business experience (5 years and ≥ 5 years) showed significantly different results (p0.05). The farmer's knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics based on the number of broilers raised on the farm showed no significant difference (p0.05). Based on gender and age, farmers' knowledge and attitudes showed no significant difference (p 0.05 in all comparisons). The knowledge and attitudes of 13 farmers were good towards the use and resistance of antibiotics in Aceh Besar District.
Predicting Rate of Penetration of Horizontal Drilling by Combining Physical Model with Machine Learning Method in the China Jimusar Oil Field
Authors: Ren Chuanjie , Huang Wenjun , Gao Deli
Published: September 2022

Rate of penetration (ROP) is one of the important indicators for evaluating drilling efficiency, which provides the basis for drilling parameter optimization. ROP prediction methods can be divided into two main categories—physical models and machine learning models. The physical models are derived from classical drilling theory and experimental results, with clear physical meanings, good interpretability, and generalization. However, physical models do not result in very accurate predictions due to assumptions and experiences introduced in the modeling process. Machine learning models can effectively learn the intrinsic relationships between data through the training of a lot of data. However, machine learning models are like black boxes and their performances are highly dependent on the quality of drilling data in oil fields, so their interpretability and generalization ability are relatively low. This study mainly focuses on establishing a more accurate model of ROP prediction with clear interpretability. To achieve this goal, two novel categories of hybrid modeling approaches were introduced for horizontal drilling in the China Jimusar oil field, one of which is the error compensation by machine learning and another is the weighted average outputs. In the first category of hybrid model, physical models are taken as the main submodel, and machine learning models are used to predict and counteract the errors caused by physical models. By this method, the physical model can effectively ensure its physical meaning and generalization, and the machine learning model, as a submodel, can effectively compensate for the low-accuracy defects of physical models to improve prediction accuracy. In the second category, combining physical models with machine learning models utilizing ensemble learning, the deficiencies of models are cancelled out by the other models in the ensemble—like a team effector. The paper presents hybrid models with four suggested steps, which include data collection and preprocessing, optimal selection of physical model, optimal selection of machine learning model, and establishment of hybrid model. The performances of physical models, machine learning models, and hybrid models are intercompared. From the view of prediction accuracy, model interpretability, modeling difficulty, and generalization, the hybrid model with error compensation by machine learning is the optimal method for ROP prediction. This study also demonstrates an optimal trade-off between high accuracy and good interpretability.
Abnormal neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in children with autism spectrum disorder and history of maternal immune activation
Authors: Ellul Pierre , Maruani Anna , Peyre Hugo , Vantalon Valérie , Hoareau Daphnée , Tiercelin Hugo , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Klatzmann David , Delorme Richard
Published: September 2022

Background: Maternal immune activation (MIA), related to autoimmune/inflammatory diseases or acute infections, during the two first trimesters of pregnancy is a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in offspring. In mice, MIA has a long-term impact on offspring’s immune equilibrium resulting in a pro-inflammatory phenotype.
Methods: We therefore hypothesized that children with ASD and a history of MIA could display a similar phenotype such as a higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). In this study, we used a retrospective sample of 231 dyads involving children with ASD and their mothers.
Results: Among ASD patients, 12% had a history of MIA. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between NLR in children with ASD and maternal history of MIA (F=2.27, p=0.03). Using a categorical approach, we observed an abnormal NLR (over 3) in 7.4% of children with ASD MIA+ compared to 1.9% for MIA-.
Conclusion: Our study reinforced preliminary evidence suggesting an impact of MIA on the risk of ASD. Further studies could contribute to the development of biomarkers in MIA+ ASD and enable the development of targeted immunomodulatory therapies.
COMT, CRTZ, and F3'H regulate glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis in Glycyrrhizauralensis hairy roots
Authors: Zhang Zhixin , Ding Wenwen , Chen Ziyi , Xu Wenpu , Wang Doudou , Lu Tiangong , Liu Ying
Published: September 2022

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is prescribed as one of the original plants of licorice in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This herbal medicine possesses numerous important pharmacological activities and has been used in clinic in China since ancient times. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a triterpenoid compound isolated from G. uralensis and also one of the marker components for its quality control. Based on our pervious transcriptome study, three genes, the caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT), the β-carotene 3-hydroxylase gene (CRTZ), and the flavonoid 3'-monooxygenase gene (F3'H), were selected as our target genes due to a high correlation of their expression levels with GA biosynthesis. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of these genes on GA biosynthesis through gene editing and overexpression in G. uralensis hairy roots. We observed that neither knockout nor overexpression of any of the genes affects the viability of the transgenic hairy roots, indicating that these genes are not essential for survival of hairy roots. However, compared with the wild type and negative control hairy roots, GA contents were significantly lower in hairy roots overexpressing COMT, CRTZ, and F3'H, while higher in those knocking out the three genes. Our findings demonstrate that the three genes, COMT, CRTZ, and F3'H, all negatively regulate the GA biosynthesis.
Knowledge, Impact and Ethical Issues of Cancer Genomics among Oncologists
Authors: Sharawy Iman , Yassin Mohamed , Kelany Mohamed , Mostafa Ahmad , Orabi Mohamed El , Wasley Nancy El
Published: September 2022

Rapid advances in cancer genomic technologies not only affected testing and treatment but also have resulted in innumerable possibilities for research. This study was conducted to assess current knowledge of clinical cancer genomics, research, related ethical issues, and future impact among oncologists to help direct tailored competency-based curriculum development. A web-based survey was developed and organized into four sections: demographic information, cancer genomics knowledge, oncologists' perception of cancer genomics' future impact; and related ethical issues. Ninety percent of respondents were Egyptians, 83% knew what cancer genomics is and 66% knew its basic areas. Eighty-three % thought that cancer genomics will have an impact in the next 5 years. Nearly half (46%) of the respondents thought that there is a clear boundary between cancer genomics research and clinical care. Most oncologists refused using genetic data sharing (80%) or data transfer (79%) to third parties without consent. The core competencies of the proposed curriculum were then developed. There were 20 core competencies organized in two main domains: knowledge and skills (12 on knowledge and 8 on skills) for cancer genomics and associated ethics. Our findings could benchmark standards for postgraduate curriculum development of cancer genomics and its related ethics issues.
Morphology for Hexagonal Image Processing
Authors: CEVIK Taner , NEMATZADEH Sajjad , CEVIK Nazife , AFSHAR Mahsa Torkamanian
Published: September 2022

Morphological operators for binary and grayscale images are commonly used to eliminate noise, recognize contours or specific structures, and arrange shapes in image processing. Even though morphology has been substantially developed in square-pixel-based-image-processing (SIP), no effort has been made to construct morphological operators in hexagonal-pixel-based-image-processing (HIP) yet. In this paper, we transform basic SIP-domain-morphological operators such as dilation, erosion, closing, and opening into HIP-domain and compare their performance with their SIP counterparts, taking into account 65 similarity- dissimilarity metrics for binary and four metrics for grey-scale proposed so far in the literature. It is the first time to give the fundamental morphological operators in the HIP domain. The operators developed in this paper initiate the research about morphology in the HIP domain by successfully filling a significant gap by eliminating HIP's lack of basic operators.
Prevalence of Hypertension in the U.S. Adults: Age, Sex, Marital Status, and Ethnic Differences
Authors: wu xianjun , liu wugao , chen feng , lin dongli , ye lingyan , wu liping , mei yibin
Published: September 2022

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Up-to-date prevalence data on hypertension provide the foundation for informing population research, education, and health policy. We sought to determine differences in the prevalence of hypertension in the U.S. population according to age, sex, ethnicity, and marital status.We performed an observational, cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample of the US civilian noninstitutionalized population 2013 through 2018 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine hypertension prevalence rates.A total of 7458 participants had hypertension. The weighted prevalence of hypertension among US adults ages 18 years and older was 39.5% (95% CI, 37.10–41.89%), which represented an estimated 92.4 million persons in the United States. black participants 47.65% (CI, 45.57 to 49.73), white 40.97% (38.94 to 43.00), other racial 35.14% (31.87 to 38.42), and Hispanic 29.87% (27.60 to 32.13). Across ethnic groups, males were more likely to have hypertension, except black participants. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age. Persons with > = 75 years: OR 13.82(95%CI 11.56–16.52); male: OR 1.29(95%CI 1.17–1.42); separated: OR 1.74(95%CI 1.43–2.10) had higher rates of hypertension when compared to lowest categories.As prevalence of hypertension in the US are rising, with age, sex, marital status, and racial/ethnic minority individuals being disproportionately impacted by hypertension, targeted public health efforts may reduce health disparities and decrease the overall population burden of hypertension.
Quercetin alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in mice by reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress and pyroptosis in granulosa cells
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhao Ying , Miao Chenyun , Yang Liuqing , Wang Ruye , Chen Bixia , Zhang Qin
Published: September 2022

Background: Exposure to cyclophosphamide (CTX) induces premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its antioxidant activity is correlated with POI. However, the mechanism underlying its protective role in CTX-induced ovarian dysfunction is unclear. This study aimed to explore whether quercetin can protect ovarian reserves by activating mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibiting pyroptosis.
Methods: Thirty-six female C57BL/6 mice were randomly subdivided into six groups. Except for the control group, all groups were injected with 90 mg/kg CTX to establish a POI model and further treated with coenzyme 10 or various doses of quercetin. The mice were sacrificed 48 h after 10 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin was injected four weeks after treatments. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect serum hormone expression and light and transmission electron microscopy to assess ovarian tissue morphology and mitochondria. Additionally, we tested oxidant and antioxidant levels in ovarian tissues and mitochondrial function in granulosa cells (GCs). The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and pyroptosis-related proteins and mRNA was analyzed using western blotting and RT-qPCR.
Results: Quercetin elevated serum anti-Müllerian hormone, estradiol, and progesterone levels, decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels, and alleviated ovarian pathology. It reduced the mitochondrial DNA content and mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, it upregulated ATP levels and the mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), mitochondrial transcription factor A, and superoxide dismutase 2. In addition, it suppressed NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3, caspase-1, interleukin-1β, and gasdermin D levels in the GCs of POI mice.
Conclusions: Quercetin protected the ovarian reserve from CTX-induced ovarian damage by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and activating mitochondrial biogenesis via the PGC1-α pathway. Moreover, quercetin may improve ovarian functions by downregulating pyroptosis in the CTX-induced POI model. Thus, quercetin can be considered a potential agent for treating POI.
The landscape of m6A regulators in multiple brain regions of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Liu Zijie , Xia Qing , Zhao Xue , Zheng Feifei , Xiao Jiaying , Ge FangLiang , Wang Dayong , Gao Xu
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer's disease research has been conducted for many years, yet no effective cure methods have been found. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, an essential posttranscriptional regulation mechanism, has been discovered to affect essential neurobiological processes, such as brain cell development and ageing, which are closely related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The relationship between Alzheimer's disease and the m6A mechanism still needs further investigation. Our work evaluated the alteration profile of m6A regulators and their influences on Alzheimer's disease in 4 brain regions: the postcentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. We found that the expression levels of the m6A regulators FTO, ELAVL1, and YTHDF2 were altered in Alzheimer's disease and were related to pathological development and cognitive levels. We also assessed the pathways and biological processes related to m6A regulators via the GSVA method, and pathways including N glycan metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and protein metabolism pathways were found to be affected by AD-related m6A regulators. We also found different m6A modification patterns in AD samples among different brain regions, mainly due to differences in m6A readers. Finally, we further evaluated the importance of AD-related regulators based on the WGCNA method, assessed their potential targets based on correlation relationships, and constructed diagnostic models in 3 of all 4 regions using hub regulators, including FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, etc., and their potential targets. This work aims to provide a reference for the follow-up study of m6A and Alzheimer's disease.
Clinical efficacy of different open approaches in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis: A single-center retrospective comparative study
Authors: Wang Tianji , Lei Wei , Wu Zixiang , Xu Huifa , Ma Tiancheng , Ma Zhensheng , Li Tianqing
Published: September 2022

Objective
To assess the clinical efficacy of three different surgical approaches in the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis.
Methods
138 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis treated by open surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical methods were divided into anterior, posterior and anterior-posterior combined. The hospital stays, amount of bleeding, operative time, preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up ESR, CRP, Frankel score, ODI, VAS, correction and loss rate of kyphosis, fusion rate and complications were recorded and analyzed.
Results
The average follow-up was 66 months. The average hospital stay, operative time and amount of bleeding of the anterior-posterior combined group were higher than other groups (P < 0.05). ESR and CRP of all patients were reduced postoperatively (P < 0.05). No significant difference among the three groups was found in the postoperative correction angle of kyphosis (P < 0.05), while the pre- and postoperative Cobb angle as well as correction rate had significant differences. The posterior approach could achieve better correction, and the loss of correction was more in the anterior group, 40.9 percent of patients performed correction loss. The Frankel score, VAS and ODI were significantly reduced among the three groups, and the incidence rate of complications of the anterior approach was lower than the other groups, with a significant difference (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The anterior approach has more advantages and fewer complications, which is supposed to give preference to and could not be replaced by the posterior and anterior-posterior combined approach.
Benchmarking the Production of Cellulose Nanofibres: Biomass Feedstock, Mechanical Processing, and Nanopaper Performance
Authors: Pennells Jordan , Chaléat Céline , Martin Darren J.
Published: September 2022

Lignocellulosic biomass plays a vital role in the global shift away from the utilisation of non-renewable petrochemical resources. An emerging class of biomass-derived material is nanocellulose, which are typically generated from the deconstruction of cellulose bundles within the cell wall of terrestrial and aquatic plants, either in the form of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) or cellulose nanofibres (CNFs). However, the utilisation of biomass has an inherent challenge associated with product variability, both in terms of the starting feedstock properties, the wide range of processing routes available to generate nanocellulose, and the fabrication of nanocellulose into a diverse range of different product formats. As a result, it is difficult to accurately characterise and benchmark the wide variety of nanocellulose materials described within the literature. To address this challenge, this study presents a threefold benchmarking assessment of CNF-based material, including: (1) CNFs generated from different biomass sources (sorghum, banana, sugarcane, spinifex, and softwood); (2) CNFs generated through different mechanical processing methods (Silverson mixing, twin-screw extrusion, bead milling, and high pressure homogenisation); and (3) Energy-standardised nanopaper mechanical performance. The biomass benchmarking study highlighted sorghum and banana stem as comparatively sustainable biomass feedstock, while the mechanical process benchmarking study highlighted twin-screw extrusion as a promising fibrillation method with low energy consumption. Lastly, the nanopaper benchmarking study aided in the visualisation of the nanopaper research landscape. Sample benchmarking in this manner provides greater insight into the mechanisms driving nanocellulose material performance and processing sustainability.
Validation study of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive Function – Version 3 for the Portuguese population
Authors: Oliveira Ana F. , Santos Isabel M. , Fernandes Sofia , Bem-Haja Pedro , Torres Ana
Published: September 2022

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment is a common and potentially debilitating symptom experienced by non-central nervous system (CNS) cancer patients, with negative impact on their quality of life. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function–Version 3 (FACT-Cog-v3) is the most extensively used instrument specifically developed to evaluate cognitive complaints in adult cancer patients. Nevertheless, this self-report measure is not yet validated to the Portuguese population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FACT-Cog-v3 among non-CNS cancer patients in Portugal.
Methods: The validation study was conducted based on a convenience sample of 281 non-CNS cancer patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, recruited online. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the factor structure of the Portuguese FACT-Cog-v3 version; internal consistency analysis was also conducted. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30–version 3) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were also used to test the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity of the scale.
Results: CFA supported a four-factor model with good fix indexes and internal consistencies: perceived cognitive impairments (α=0.97), comments from others (α=0.92), perceived cognitive abilities (α=0.93), and impact on quality of life (α=0.92). Concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validities were confirmed. Moderate and strong correlations were found between the FACT-Cog-v3 subscales and the QLQ-C30 cognitive functioning subscale. Good convergent validity, with moderate correlations, was found between the FACT-Cog-v3 subscales and the HADS-A, HADS-D, and QLQ-C30 fatigue, sleep disturbance, and global health status subscales. There was acceptable discriminant validity, with weak and moderate correlations, between the FACT-Cog-v3 subscales and the QLQ-C30 pain and nausea/vomiting subscales.
Conclusions: The Portuguese FACT-Cog-v3 version can be considered a reliable and valid measure to assess cognitive concerns of non-CNS cancer patients, with relevance for research and clinical practice.
Using machine learning methods to predict the lactate trend of sepsis patients in the ICU
Authors: Arslantas Mustafa Kemal , Asuroglu Tunc , Arslantas Reyhan , Pashazade Emin , Dincer Pelin Corman , Altun Gulbin Tore , Kararmaz Alper
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Serum lactate levels are considered a biomarker of tissue hypoxia. In sepsis or septic shock patients as suggested by The Surviving Sepsis Campaign serum lactate levels should be assessed and early lactate clearance-directed therapy is associated with decreased mortality. Monitoring a patient's vital parameters and repeatedly done blood analysis may have deleterious effects on the patient and brings an economical burden. Machine learning algorithms and trend analysis are gaining importance to overcome these unwanted facts. In this context, we aimed to investigate if an artificial intelligence approach can predict lactate trends from non-invasive clinical variables of patients with sepsis.
Methods
In this retrospective study, adult patients with sepsis from the MIMIC-IV dataset who had at least two serum lactate measurements recorded within the first 6 hours of sepsis diagnosis and who also has an ICU length of stay ≥ 24 hours are evaluated and ≥1mmol/l change is considered as a trend indicator. For prediction of lactate trend Naïve Bayes, J48 Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Logistic Model Tree (LMT) classifiers are evaluated.
Results
LMT algorithm outperformed other classifiers (AUC= 0.832). J48 decision tree performed worse when predicting constant lactate trend. LMT algorithm with 4 features (heart rate, oxygen saturation, lactate value before sepsis diagnosis, and time interval variables) achieved 0.821 in terms of AUC.
Conclusion
We can say that machine learning models that employ logistic regression architectures, i.e. LMT algorithm achieved good results in lactate trend prediction tasks can be effectively used to assess the state of the patient whether it is stable or improving.
Identifying and Supporting Struggling Candidates in Peer-Led Basic Life Support Training
Authors: Gillam Lawrence , Crawshaw Benjamin , - Matthew Booker , Allsop Sarah
Published: September 2022

Background
Bristol Medical School has adopted a peer-led teaching approach to deliver Basic Life Support training to first year undergraduate medical students. Challenges arose when trying to identify early in the course which candidates were struggling with their learning. We aimed to develop a novel, online performance scoring system to better track and highlight candidate progress.
Methods
Candidate performance was rated at six time-points using a 10-point scale. The scores were then collated and entered onto an anonymised secured spreadsheet. This document was conditionally formatted to provide a visual representation of the score. A One-Way ANOVA was performed on the scores and trends analysed during each course. Descriptive statistics were assessed. Values are presented as mean scores with standard deviation (x̄±SD).
Results
A significant linear trend was demonstrated (P < 0.001) for the progression of candidates over the course. The average session score increased from 4.61 ± 1.78 at the start to 7.92 ± 1.22 at the end of the final session. A threshold of less than the mean-1SD was used to highlight struggling candidates. This threshold was then used within the secure spreadsheet and enabled efficient highlighting of struggling candidates in real time.
Conclusions
By highlighting candidates that either singly score less than 1SD of the mean or improvement between sessions is below mean-1SD in a conditionally formatted spreadsheet, we have been able to identify struggling candidates early and communicate effectively to the instructors which students need and will benefit from remedial support.
Designing a Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship Model Toward Development of Industry 4.0
Authors: Khorasgani gholamreza Hashemzadeh , pourvaziry zahra , modiri mahmood , farsijani hassan
Published: September 2022

Digitalization plays a significant role in contributing towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without a sustainable approach, the survival of existing businesses is impossible, what ranks first is surely a simultaneous comprehensive approach to sustainability. Undoubtedly the social, economic, and environmental challenges in entrepreneurship of the future cannot be solved if they are viewed separately. This study is therefore functional in terms of purpose and descriptive-exploratory in terms of doing research. The method of data collection is library and field studies using questionnaire tool. Those with relevant postgraduate qualifications and at least ten years of working experience, especially entrepreneurship experience in the Industry 4.0 with a sufficiently motivated executive background to participate were chosen. In the quantitative section, the experts include nine executives and senior experts in Digitalization who were selected through snowballing. The most important dimensions and criteria of a sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship model are identified by theoretical literature review and interviewing experts and then screened and localized with expert opinions and fuzzy Delphi techniques. After collecting data through a paired comparisons questionnaire, the data were analyzed using a fuzzy-dimensional network analysis process hybrid technique. The findings of fuzzy DEMATEL indicated that the dimensions of "environmental", "economic" and "social" sustainability in achieving sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship
Gut Microbiome Dynamics and Associations with Mortality in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Salameh Tarik J. , Roth Katharine , Schultz Lisa , Ma Zhexi , Bonavia Anthony S. , Broach James R. , Hu Bin , Howrylak Judie A.
Published: September 2022

Background
Critical illness and care within the intensive care unit (ICU) leads to profound changes in the composition of the gut microbiome. The impact of such changes on the patients and their subsequent disease course remains uncertain. We hypothesized that specific changes in the gut microbiome would be more harmful than others, leading to increased mortality in critically ill patients.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort study of critically ill adults in the ICU. We obtained rectal swabs from 52 patients and assessed the composition the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We followed patients throughout their ICU course and evaluated their mortality rate at 28 days following admission to the ICU. We used selbal, a machine learning method, to identify the balance of microbial taxa most closely associated with 28-day mortality.
Results
We found that a proportional ratio of four taxa could be used to distinguish patients with a higher risk of mortality from patients with a lower risk of mortality (p = 0.02). We named this binarized ratio our microbiome mortality index (MMI). Patients with a high MMI had a higher 28-day mortality compared to those with a low MMI (hazard ratio, 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.3), and remained significant after adjustment for other ICU mortality predictors, including the presence of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (hazard ratio, 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.7). High mortality was driven by taxa from the Anaerococcus (genus) and Enterobacteriaceae(family), while lower mortality was driven by Parasutterella and Campylobacter(genera).
Conclusions
Dysbiosis in the gut of critically ill patients is an independent risk factor for increased mortality at 28 days after adjustment for clinically significant confounders. Gut dysbiosis may represent a potential therapeutic target for future ICU interventions.
Basilar invagination without atlantoaxial dislocation: treatment by correction of clivus canal angle with interfacet distraction and fixation
Authors: Hou Zhe , Fan Tao , Fan Wayne , Jian Qiang , Wang Yinqian
Published: September 2022

Objective
Reports on the surgical technique used and clinical outcomes obtained during the treatment of basilar invagination (BI) without atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) through the correction of the clivus canal angle (CCA) using interfacet distraction and fixation.
Methods
Nineteen cases with BI without AAD treated by the correction of the clivus canal angle were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography scans and three-dimensional reconstruction views were obtained to measure the size of the CCA, pB-C2 distance, and degree of BI. Chiari malformation and syringomyelia were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The clinical outcomes for all patients were measured using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale. The CCA was corrected by using interfacet distraction and fixation techniques. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and postoperative measurements.
Results
All the patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months; no patient suffered intraoperative nerve or vascular injury. Clinical symptoms improved in 17 patients (89.5%). The mean JOA score increased from 12.32 ± 1.89 to 14.37 ± 1.30 (Z = -3.655, P < 0.001). The mean CCA improved from 129.34 ± 8.52° preoperatively to 139.75 ± 8.86° postoperatively (Z = -3.824, P < 0.001). The mean pB-C2 decreased from 7.47 ± 2.21 to 5.68 ± 3.13 (Z = -3.060, P = 0.002). Syringomyelia was significantly reduced in 10 out of 13 patients by the first follow-up year. All patients achieved bony fusion.
Conclusions
Posterior interfacet distraction and fixation to correct the CCA is a feasible and effective method for treating BI without AAD.
Over expression of recombinant Staphylokinase and reduction of inclusion bodies using IPTG as inducer in E. coli BL21 DE3
Authors: Muttar Barakat Abdul Razzaq , Panchal Rakesh Kumar R.
Published: September 2022

A previous research and studies have established the significance of describing Staphylokinase as a thrombolytic treatment, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other life-threatening disorders. Staphylokinase plays a significant part in the coagulation process through formation plasmin-Staphylokinase complex on the surface of the clot which activates plasminogen is generated by some strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The publication described the use of the E. coli strain BL12DE3 to produce the protein via the pET21a transporter is predicated on the use of a chemical stimulator (IPTG) which plays an important role in regulating protein recombinant by stimulating protein synthesis. Strain BL12DE3 activates T7 polymerase, encoding LacI via the pET21a transporter. It has been demonstrated that the IPTG inducer achieves the maximum level of protein expression in the shortest amount of time. A Staphylokinase was generated as a soluble protein in excess of 45 % by SDS-PAGE and subsequently purified by chromatography.
SSD with Multi-scale feature Fusion and Attention mechanism
Authors: Zeng Zhigao , Dong Lijun , Liu Qiang , Zhu Wenqiu , Zhu Yanhui , Meng Chen
Published: September 2022

In the Internet of Things, image acquisition equipment is very important, which will generate lots of invalid data when monitoring in real time. Analyzing the data collected from the terminal directly by edge calculation can remove invalid frames and improve the accuracy of system detection. SSD algorithm model is relatively light and fast detection speed. However, SSD algorithms don't take full advantage of both shallow and deep information, a multiscale feature fusion attention mechanism structure based on SSD algorithm was proposed in this paper, which combines the idea of multiscale feature fusion and attention mechanism. Improve the feature information expression ability by fusing adjacent feature layers for each detection layer. Then, add the attention mechanism to to improve the algorithm's attention to the feature map channels. The results of the experiment show that the optimized model detection accuracy is improved, which will greatly improve the reliability of edge calculation.
Giant Perianal Tumour Arising from Condyloma Acuminatum in a Patient Living with HIV-1
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhu Xueling , Wan Zhikai , Lang Guanjing , Huang Ying , Zhu Biao
Published: September 2022

Background
Perianal cancer is a relatively rare disease, but it is prevalent in men who have sex with men and in patients who are positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Here, we report a case of a massive anal squamous cell carcinoma that measured 19 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter in a male patient living with HIV.
Case presentation
A 28-year-old man with a 5-year history of peri-anal condyloma acuminatum developed a rapidly enlarging mass in the anal region since the past few months. He had both HIV and syphilis infection, but never sought further treatment. Pathological analysis and immunohistochemistry confirmed squamous cell carcinoma with high-risk HPV infection. After multi-disciplinary treatment, albumin-paclitaxel combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy and simultaneous antiretroviral therapy was initiated. The mass began to shrink after chemotherapy, but this did not prevent tumor progression. He eventually died from tumor-cachexia.
Conclusion
Early screening and treatment of perianal disease can help prevent progression to invasive anal carcinoma in high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and immunosuppressed patients.