bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Down Acid Pretreatment of Wheat Stubble Agro-residues to Eliminate Non-process Components Meant for Papermaking and Its Impact on Mechanical Strength Properties of Paper Products
Authors: Alam Izhar , Sharma Chhaya
Published: January 2022

Wheat stubble agro-residues material contains lingo-cellulose with high level of extractives and metal ions, which may be able to instigate some harmful impacts on the papermaking process. Pretreatment of stubble on the removal of metal ions and extractive and its impact on the content of chemical constituents like holocelluose, lignin, silica, the pulping yield as well as the mechanical properties of paper were examined in the laboratory. Acid pretreatment significantly reduced the content of the metal ions with about more than 50%. The conditions for acid pretreatment of the material were optimized to pH-2 at 5% consistency for 1 hour retention time with more benefits in extractives and metal ions removal and less impact on cellulose degradation. The demand for active alkali charge during pulpmaking was observed to be about 3% lower for the pretreated material as compared to the untreated one. Along with the chemical conservation, a higher pulping yield of about 6 – 7 % was also observed for acid pretreated materials. Improved thickness, more crystalline and a high degree of polymerization of cellulose fibre were noticed due to acid pretreatment and the pulp obtained from acid pretreated material showed improved mechanical strength properties (tensile, tear, burst strength etc.). The study revealed that pretreatment of agro-residue material with dilute acid (optimized conditions) could be used to remove the non-process component and make it suitable for utilization in papermaking process with improved mechanical properties in the paper products.
Impact of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy on Long-Term Renal Function after Coronary Angiography and Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Moriya Hidekazu , Mochida Yasuhiro , Ishioka Kunihiro , Oka Machiko , Maesato Kyoko , Yamano Mizuki , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ohtake Takayasu , Hidaka Sumi , Kobayashi Shuzo
Published: January 2022

Background It remains unclear whether contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has a prognostic impact on subsequent renal dysfunction and whether deteriorating renal function is a risk factor for CIN. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of CIN in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction and investigate the long-term effects of worsening renal function after coronary angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The prognostic factors of worsening renal dysfunction were also analyzed. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of patients at risk for CIN, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 on coronary angiography or eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 on contrast-enhanced CT. Serum creatinine levels and the 2-year prognosis were evaluated. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level by more than 0.5 mg/dL or a 25% increase from the previous value within 72 hours after contrast administration. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who had serum Cr doubling or induction of dialysis within 2 years according to CIN occurrence. Results Of the 410 patients, 19 patients developed CIN (8/142 patients on coronary angiography and 11/268 patients on contrast-enhanced CT), and 38 patients had worsened renal function (21/142 patients on coronary angiography and 17/268 patients on contrast-enhanced CT). CIN was not associated with worsening renal function at 2 years. Analysis by renal function at the time of coronary angiography or contrast-enhanced CT (i.e., eGFR ≥30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and eGFR ≤1.73 m2) found no between-group difference in the occurrence of CIN. Conclusions CIN is not a prognostic risk factor for the long-term of chronic kidney disease after coronary angiography or contrast-enhanced CT. Pre-existing renal dysfunction is also not a risk factor for CIN, even if the eGFR is <30ml/min/1.73 m2.
Bioinformatics Analysis to Identify MEG3-hsa-miR-222-3p-NRG1/CLVS2 Axis as a Prognostic Biomarker in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pan Ke-Hao , Chen Ming
Published: January 2022

Objective: To establish the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network related to phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) in prostate cancer (PCa), and screen messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) related to the prognosis of PCa to provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa.Methods: Transcriptome data of 498 prostate cancer samples and 52 normal prostate samples were extracted in Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and differential expression (DE) lncRNAs, miRNA and mRNA were screened. The CytoHubba plug-in was used to identify the triple regulatory network of hub genes. On this basis, the PTEN-related ceRNA regulatory network was constructed. Kaplan-Meyer method was used to explore the related factors about the prognosis of PRAD patients. The gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) were performed to explore functional annotation and enrichment pathways.Results: Amount to 1918 DElncRNAs, 68 DEmiRNAs and 2920 DEmRNAs were screened. And 8 lncRNAs, 7 miRNAs and 525 mRNAs were incorporated to build the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triple regulatory network by Cytoscape software. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG showed that these interaction proteins function mainly enriched in chemotaxis, urogenital system development and cell morphogenesis involved in differentiation. Three lncRNAs (MEG3, AGAP11, and ADAMTS9-AS2), five miRNAs (miR-93-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-590-3p and miR-3619-5a) and six mRNAs (NRG1, SHH, TIMP3, CLVS2, NFAT5 and ADAM22) were identified by the Cytoscape plug-in cytoHubba. Kaplan-Meier analysis screened out 2 DEmRNAs(NRG1 and CLVS2), 1 DElncRNAs(MEG3) and 1 DEmiRNA(miR-222-3p), which were associated with the prognosis of PRAD (P<0.05). Finally, we established a PTEN-related MEG3-hsa-miR-222-3p-NRG1/CLVS2 ceRNA network in PRAD. NRG1 and CLVS2 were related with methylation and immune infiltration in PRAD, which were high expressssion in PRAD by Immunohistochemical analysis.Conclusion: In this study, the key RNAs related to PRAD prognosis are screened out by constructing the PTEN-related ceRNA regulatory network of PRAD, which provides a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of PRAD.
Identification of Essential Proteins based on Non-negative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Hu Sai , Yan Wei , Zhao Bihai , Wang Lei
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIdentification of essential proteins will provide valuable information for medicine and other related disciplines, especially for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and drug design. Various different computational methods have been proposed to identify essential proteins based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. However, there has been reliable evidence that a huge amount of false negatives and false positives exist in PPI data. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the influence of false data on accuracy of essential proteins prediction by integrating multi-source biological information with PPI networks.ResultsIn this paper, we proposed a non-negative matrix factorization and multiple biological information based model (NDM) for identifying essential proteins. The first stage in this progress was to construct a weighted PPI network by combing the information of protein domain, protein complex and the topology characteristic of the original PPI network. Then, the non-negative matrix factorization technique was used to reconstruct an optimized PPI network with whole enough weight of edges. In the final stage, the ranking score of each protein was computed by the PageRank algorithm in which the initial scores were calculated with homologous and subcellular localization information. In order to verify the effectiveness of the NDM method, we compared the NDM with other state-of-the-art essential protein prediction methods. The comparison of the results obtained from different methods indicated that our NDM model has better performance in predicting essential proteins.ConclusionEmploying the non-negative matrix factorization method and integrating multi-source biological data can effectively improve quality of the PPI network, which resulted in the led to optimization of the performance essential protein identification. This will also provide a new perspective for other prediction based on protein-protein interaction networks.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Behaviours, and the Oral Health Status of School- Going Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ssekamatte Tonny , Matovu Joseph KB , Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Ssenkusu John , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: January 2022

Background
Universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services is an essential component of keeping young people in school. However, much of the focus has been directed towards meeting the sanitation and hygiene needs of school-going adolescent girls and young women with limited attention to their male school-going counterparts. We determined the oral health status and good hand hygiene practices and the factors associated with good hand hygiene practices among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in Kampala, Uganda.
Materials and methods
This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,869 school-going ABYM, who were randomly selected at household level from the five administrative divisions of Kampala, Uganda. A modified Poisson regression model was used to establish the factors associated with good hand hygiene practices (i.e. defined as always washing hands before eating and after visiting the latrine or toilet) among ABYM in Kampala.
Results
Overall, 81.4% (1,522/1,869) of the respondents had access to a drinking water source at their school. Nonetheless, 56.9% (1,064/1,869) carried water from home to drink while at school. Nearly all (98.9%, 1,849/1,869) respondents attended in schools that had sex-separated toilets/latrines; 95.6% (1,787/1,869) had safe toilets, while 97.0% (1,813/1,869) had latrines/toilets that provided for privacy. Only 42.5% (794/1,869) exhibited good hand hygiene practices. Good hand hygiene practices were associated with age 18-24 years (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] = 0.63; 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 0.50, 0.78) and studying from a school with both handwashing and sanitary facilities (aPR=2.67; 95% CI: 1.84, 3.85). Slightly more than a quarter (26.4%, 495/1,869) of the respondents had at least one cavity in their teeth, 18.7% (349/1,869) had difficulty biting hard foods, 13.3% (248/1,869) had difficulty chewing, 6.0% (113/1,869) avoided laughing because of the appearance of their teeth and 16.1% (301/1,869) missed school in the last 12 months due to a toothache.
Conclusion
Our study revealed that the majority of the ABYM had access to basic drinking water and sanitation facilities while at school. However, their hand hygiene and oral health practices were sub-optimal. Our findings suggest a need for school authorities to intensify hygiene and oral health education in educational settings.
Perceived causes of mental illness and treatment practices by Traditional Healers of the Berta Community in Assosa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gutema Boki Tolasa , Mengstie Missaye Mulatie
Published: January 2022

Traditional healers of the Berta community play important roles in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of patients who are with mental illness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived causes of mental illness and their treatment methods used by the Berta community traditional healers. To achieve the intended objectives, seven well known traditional healers were selected using snowball sampling technique from the total Berta community. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured one-to-one interviews, and they were analyzed by applying content analysis method. The findings of the study revealed that traditional healers of the Berta community detected mental illnesses through a detailed follow-up of a person’s behaviors/actions and his/her daily life activities. According to these traditional healers, curse/witchcraft, harsh social condition, hereditary, substance use,and food poising are considered as the main causes of mental illness. To treat mental illnesses caused by either of these causes, the traditional healers use traditional and religious books (Kitab), herbal medicine, and divination bones. These traditional healing way of identifying the causes, diagnosis methods and treatment options are culturally specific. This urges collaborative work and study between the modern mental illness treatment options and the indigenous healing mechanisms.
Optimal Answer Generation by Equivalent Transformation incorporating Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Miura Katsunori , Powell Courtney , Munetomo Masaharu
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a framework for time-efficiently finding multiple answers that meet multiple logical constraints and are Pareto-optimal for multiple objective functions. The proposed framework determines a set of optimal answers by iteratively replacing a set of definite clauses. Clause replacement is performed using a SAT solver consisting of equivalent transformation rules (ETRs). An ETR replaces a definite clause with one or more clauses while preserving the declarative meaning of the union of the original clause and problem clauses. To efficiently find optimal answers, in this paper, we define a new class of ETRs that are generated based on the evaluation results of a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), and propose a method for generating ETRs that belong to the new class. ETRs belonging to the new class help to replace definite clauses according to user objectives such as cost--benefit performance, reliability, and financial constraints. Thus, a SAT solver that uses the new ETR class in addition to extant ETR classes can preferentially replace definite clauses that produce the optimal answer for user objectives. Experimental results indicate that the proposed framework can significantly reduce the computation time and memory usage necessary to determine a set of optimal answers for user objectives.
Cytogenetic and developmental toxicity of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in Arbacia lixula sea urchins embryos
Authors: Rezg Raja , Oral Rahime , Tez Serkan , Mornagui Bessem , Pagano Giovanni , Trifuoggi Marco
Published: January 2022

Bisphenol S (BP-S) is one of the most important substitutes of bisphenol A (BP-A), and its environmental occurrence is predicted to intensify in the future. Both BP-A and BP-S were tested for adverse effects on early life stages of Arbacia lixula sea urchins at 0.1 up to 100 µM test concentrations, by evaluating developmental and cytogenetic toxicity endpoints. Embryonic malformations and/or mortality were scored to determine embryotoxicity (72 h post-fertilization, p-f). Cytogenetic toxicity was measured as mitotic activity endpoints and chromosome aberrations score in embryos (6 h p-f). Both BP-A and BP-S exposures induced embryotoxic effects from 2.5 to 100 µM test concentrations as compared to controls. Malformed embryo percentages following BP-A exposure were significantly higher than in BP-S-exposed embryos from 0.25 µM to 100 µM (with a ~5-fold difference). BP-A, not BP-S exhibited cytogenetic anomalies at 25 and 100 µM. Our results indicate an embryotoxic potential of bisphenols during critical periods of development with a potent rank order to BP-A vs. BP-S.
The Role of Systemic Immune-inflammation Index in the Severity of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Beser Dilek Menekse , Oluklu Deniz , Hendem Derya Uyan , Ayhan Sule Goncu , Sahin Dilek
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in early pregnancy. Complete blood count parameters can be used as inflammatory markers in patients with HEG. We aimed to investigate the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) in predicting the severity of HEG.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was performed with pregnant women who were hospitalized in the Perinatology Department, Ankara City Hospital, with the diagnosis of HEG. The study data were obtained from the electronic database of Ankara City Hospital. The study parameters were calculated from complete blood count tests and urine analysis.
Results
A total of 469 pregnant women diagnosed with HEG were included in this study. There was a positive correlation between the increased degree of ketonuria and SII. The cut-off value of SII for predicting the severity of HEG was 1071.8, sensitivity and specificity were 59% and 59%, respectively. The cutoff value of SII to predict the length of hospitalization was 1073.6, p= 0.039; sensitivity and specificity were 56.3% and 55.5%, respectively.
Conclusions
Considering the positive relationship between ketonuria and inflammation markers, the evaluation of SII in pregnant women with HEG may facilitate the clinical management of these patients.
The Effectiveness of Vitamin C on Quinalphos Ileal Toxicity: A Study of Histological, Ultrastructural, and Oxidative Stress Markers
Authors: Zaki Mohamed Samir Ahmed , El-kott Attalla F. El-kott F. , AlGwaiz Hussah I.M. , Sideeg Abulqasim M. , Andarawi Mohamed , Eid Refaat A.
Published: January 2022

There is a significant hazard of human exposure to the organophosphates is a constant threat and they are responsible for numerous cases of poisoning and mammalian toxicity annually in non target wildlife. The antioxidants including the vitamin C (Vit C) have a protective effect on some organophosphorus compounds-induced organ damage. Quinalphos (QP) is one of these compounds. The investigation's objective is to see if there was any effect of QP on the rat ileum which could be rectified by using Vit C. Three groups of twenty-four animals were created. As a control, the first group was given pure water. Second group subjected to oral gavages of QPs. Third group rats were given oral gavages of Vit C plus QPs for 10 days. The reaction of ileal enterocytes to food-borne QPs was marked by poorly organized microvilli, numerous vacuoles within them, disrupted nuclei with chromatin margination, disoriented mitochondria, and an expanded intercellular space. The absorptive columnar cell illustrated many vacuoles inside with herniation of microvilli and normal goblet cells were also seen. Many Paneth cells towards the lumen of intestinal gland contained secretory granules of different sizes and shapes. The histological architecture of the ileal mucosa in the QP plus Vit C group was found to be close to those of healthy controls. The outcomes of this study suggest that administering Vit C to rats treated with QPs protects them from ileal dysfunction caused by QP.
Expanded CD1c+CD163+ DC3s population in synovial tissues is associated with disease progression of osteoarthritis
Authors: Qiu Guowei , Meng Lu , Xie Jun , Feng Hui , Sun Songtao , Gao Chenxin , Zhong Sheng , Xu Xirui , Kang Bingxin , Xu Hui , Zhao Chi , Ran Lei , Xinyu A , Xu Bo , Meng Xiaohui , Zhang Xiaoming , Xiao Lianbo
Published: January 2022

Objective: The mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis (OA) have recently been hypothesized to involve a dysfunctional immune system. This study aimed to evaluate the landscape of immune cells infiltrating synovial tissue and to determine their function in OA progression.Design: Synovial tissue, synovium fluid (SF) and peripheral blood were collected from 21 patients with OA. Mononuclear cells were isolated and characterized using flow cytometry. H&E staining and multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) histological assessment of synovial samples were performed. Cytokine levels in the SF were measured using ELISA.Results: We observed similar frequencies of immune cells in the synovium and SF, which were enriched in macrophages, T cells, and DCs. Notably, DC3s, CD1c+DC163+ 36 DCs, an inflammation-induced subpopulation of DCs, was significantly expanded in 37 the synovium and SF. Furthermore, we found that DC3s were primarily located within 38 the ectopic lymphoid-like structure (ELLS) in close proximity to CD8+ T cells. Finally, 39 the level of TNF-α and IL12p70 in the SF correlated with the severity of OA, suggesting 40 a possible link between DC3s and OA progression.Conclusion: These data suggest that OA is an immune system-related disease and that DC3s may play an active role in OA progression by promoting ELLS formation and inflammatory responses.
LED-pump-X-ray-multiprobe Crystallography for Sub-second Timescales
Authors: Raithby Paul , Hatcher Lauren , Warren Mark , Skelton Jonathan , Pallipurath Anuradha , Saunders Lucy , Allan David , Hathaway Paul , Crevatin Guilio , Omar David , Williams Benjamin , Wilson Chick
Published: January 2022

We present a pump-multiprobe single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) technique for studying photoexcited solid-state species with millisecond-to-minute lifetimes. We excite using pulsed LEDs and synchronise to a gated X-ray detector to collect 3D structures with sub-second time resolution while maximising photo-conversion and minimising beam damage. Our implementation provides complete control of the pump-multiprobe sequencing and can access a range of timescales using the same setup. Using LEDs allows variation of the intensity and pulse width and ensures uniform illumination of the crystal, spreading the energy load in time and space. We demonstrate our method by studying the variable-temperature kinetics of photo-activated linkage isomerism in [Pd(Bu4dien)(NO2)][BPh4] single-crystals. We further show that our method extends to following indicative Bragg reflections with a continuous readout Timepix3 detector chip. Our approach is applicable to a range of physical and biological processes that occur on millisecond and slower timescales, which cannot be studied using existing techniques.
The Role of Adjunctive Ascorbic Acid in the Prevention of Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Juhani Ohoud Al , Alhammad Abdullah , Aamer Kholoud Al , Alshehri Sara , Alhuwahmel Abdulmohsen , Kharbosh Abdullah , Alshehri Areej , Shareef Hanan Al , Sulaihim Ibrahim Al , Alghamdi Albandari , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Abdan Numan , Katheri Abdulmalik Al , Alrajhi Yousef , Vishwakarma Ramesh
Published: January 2022

BackgroundColistin antibiotic is considered a valuable and last-resort therapeutic option for MDR gram-negative bacteria. Nephrotoxicity is the most clinically pertinent adverse effect for colistin. Vivo studies suggest that administering oxidative stress-reducing agents, such as ascorbic acid, is a promising strategy to overcome colistin-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN). However, limited clinical data explores the potential benefit of adjunctive ascorbic acid therapy for preventing CIN. Therefore, this study aims to assess the potential nephroprotective role of ascorbic acid as adjunctive therapy against CIN in critically ill patients. MethodThis was a retrospective cohort study at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) for all adult critically ill patients who have received IV Colistin. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on the ascorbic acid use as concomitant therapy within three days of colistin initiation. The primary outcome was CIN odds after colistin initiation, while the secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, ICU, and hospital LOS. Propensity score (PS) matching was used (1:1 ratio) based on the patient’s age, SOFA score, and serum creatinine. ResultsA total of 451 patients were screened for eligibility; 90 patients were included after propensity score matching based on the selected criteria. The odds of developing CIN after colistin initiation were similar between patients who received ascorbic acid (AA) as adjunctive therapy compared to patients who did not (OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.33, 2.10), p-value=0.68). In addition, the 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, ICU, and hospital LOS were similar between the two groups. ConclusionConcomitant use of Ascorbic acid with colistin was not associated with lower odds of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings.
High Rate of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children 6 To 17 Years Old In Southwest EthiopiaFindings From A Community-Based Study
Authors: Aliye Kemal , Tesfaye Elias , Soboka Matiwos
Published: January 2022

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is among the common neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children and adolescents. The disease affects their life, parents, and community when left untreated. Although evidence indicated a high prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the developed world, there is limited evidence in developing countries, particularly, Ethiopia. therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children aged 6 to 17 years in Jimma town.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2021 among children aged 6 to 17 years in Jimma town. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select 520 study participantsts. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, and a face-to-face interview. Vanderbilt's attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale with parent rating was used. The association between independent variables and the outcome variable was investigated using bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression. On the final model level of significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.Result: A total of 504 participants were involved in the study with a response rate of 96.9%.The overall prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in this study was (9.9%, n=50). Maternal complication during pregnancy (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.56, 95% CI (1.44-8.79)), mothers illiteracy (AOR=3.10, 95% CI (1.24-7.79)), being primary school (AOR= 2.97, 95% CI (1.32-6.73)), history of head trauma (AOR= 3.20, 95% CI (1.25-8.16)), maternal alcohol use during pregnancy (AOR= 3.54, 95% CI (1.26-10))), bottle feeding during first six months (AOR=2.87, 95% (1.20-6.93)) and child’s age 6-11 years (AOR=3.86, 95% CI (1.77-8.43)) were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: In this study, 1 in 10 children and adolescents in Jimma town had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was high. Early detection and management of maternal complications are important to reduce the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children. Finally, mental health professionals should be sensitized to thoroughly explore treatment options, as well as their advantages and risks.
Ventricular Function and Tissue Characterization By Cardiac MRI in Children Following Hospitalization for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Prospective Study
Authors: Dilorenzo Michael P , Farooqi Kanwal M , Shah Amee M , Channing Alexandra , Harrington Jamie K , Connors Thomas J , Martirosyan Karen , Krishnan Usha S , Ferris Anne , Weller Rachel J. , Farber Donna L , Milner Joshua D. , Gorelik Mark , Rosenzweig Erika B , Anderson Brett R
Published: January 2022

Background
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe life-threatening manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Acute cardiac dysfunction and resultant cardiogenic shock are common in children with MIS-C. While most children recover rapidly from acute illness, the long-term impact on the myocardium and cardiac function is unknown.
Methods
In this prospective study, cardiac MRI (CMR) was performed on patients <21 years of age with a history of MIS-C, 6-9 months following hospitalization. Per institutional protocol, patients with any history of LVEF<50%, persistent cardiorespiratory symptoms, or ECG abnormalities underwent clinical CMR. Research CMRs were offered to all others >10 years old. Native T1 and T2 mapping values were compared with 20 children with normal CMR examinations.
Results
We performed CMRs on 13 subjects at a median age of 13.6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 11.9-16.0) and a median time from hospitalization of 8.2 months (IQR 6.8-9.6). Twelve subjects displayed normal ventricular function with a median left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of 57.2% (IQR 56.1-58.4) and median right ventricular (RV) EF of 53.1% (IQR 52.0-55.7). One subject had low normal EF (52%). There was normal T2 and native T1 as compared to normal controls. There was qualitatively no evidence of edema by T2 weighted imaging. One subject had late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at the inferior insertion point and mid-ventricular inferolateral region, with normal EF, no evidence of edema or perfusion defects, and normal T1 and T2 times. When stratifying by a history of abnormal LVEF (LVEF <55%) on echocardiography, there was no difference in or parametric mapping values, though LVEF and LVEDV approached significance (p=0.06 and 0.05, respectively).
Conclusions
Although many children with MIS-C present acutely with cardiac dysfunction, myocardial recovery is overall excellent with minimal to no evidence of residual cardiac dysfunction or myocardial involvement. LVEF by CMR at 6-9 months among children with history of echocardiographic LV dysfunction is slightly lower, though does not meet statistical significance and is still within normal range. The long-term functional implications of this finding and the cardiac implications of MIS-C more broadly are unclear and warrant further study.
Are General Practices Adequately Funded to Serve High Proportions of High Need Patients?
Authors: Senior Tessa , Jeffreys Mona , Cumming Jacqueline , Crampton Peter , Lopez Maite Irurzun , Hau Kenny
Published: January 2022

Background: Capitation formulas take into account the characteristics of the population served as a way of estimating the funding required to meet varying levels of need. Capitation is a well-established method of funding health care in many different counties, especially in primary care. In Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ), a capitation formula has been used since 2002 to fund all general practices. However, general practices who service greater numbers of people with complex health needs may not be funded adequately using the current formula if the characteristics used in the formula do not appropriately reflect the varying needs of those enrolled. We sought to quantify the levels of funding received by general practices who serve high proportions of high needs people, in order to assess if general practices are adequately funded to do so. Method: Ministry of Health enrolment data was used to inform the demographic spread of five hypothetical 5,000 patient practices consisting of: 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100% high needs people. High needs were defined as those who fit one or more of these three criteria: Māori ethnicity; Pacific ethnicity; and people residing in an area of high socioeconomic deprivation. Annual first level services payments, High User Health Card, and additional funding streams including Very Low-Cost Access, Community Service Cards (CSC) and Fees-free for under 14s were taken from the Primary Health Organisation Services Agreement contract to calculate levels of income for all hypothetical practices. Results: Age is a strong determinant of capitation funding. Practice level funding does not increase in proportion to the level of needs of the populations served. VLCA funding is higher for the 70% high need then the 90% high need practice. CSC and Fees-free under 14s funding increase as the percentage of high needs people increase but not proportionally to the level of need. Conclusion: Use of age and sex as the main determinants for capitation funding shows evidence of structural discrimination within the health system. Funding schemes aimed at helping high needs populations do not always result in adequate funding for general practices to serve these communities well.
Dirofilaria Immitis: Genotyping European Clinical Samples and US Laboratory Isolates at Single Nucleotide Polymorphic (SNP) Sites Associated With Macrocyclic Lactone Susceptibility and Resistance
Authors: Curry Emily , Traversa Donato , Cárreton Elena , Kramer Laura , Sager Heinz , Young Lisa , Prichard Roger K
Published: January 2022

Background: Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic filarial nematode. It is the causative agent of dirofilariosis, a potentially fatal pulmonary infection which primarily infects canids and felines. dirofilariosis infections are primarily controlled with a prophylactic macrocyclic lactone (ML) regimen. Recent evidence has confirmed the development of ML-resistant isolates in the US which are genetically distinct from wild-type populations. Previous research clinically validated 9 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers associated with these ML resistance phenotypes isolated from the USA. Methods: In this study, three D. immitis US laboratory-maintained isolates: two susceptible isolates, Berkeley, and Georgia II, one resistant isolate, WildCat; and eleven European D. immitis clinical samples, from Italy, Spain, and Hungary were analyzed. The samples tested were fresh microfilaria (mf) in blood or adult female worms shipped in ethanol and rehydrated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). After DNA extraction, each sample underwent MiSeq sequencing of regions encompassing the 9 SNP sites previously associated with macrocyclic lactone susceptibility and resistance. The nucleotide frequencies of the 9 SNP sites were analyzed and the pairwise fixation index (FST) of the top 2 SNP molecular markers were calculated to estimate the probability of identity with known susceptible and resistant isolates.Results: In the three laboratory-maintained US D. immitis isolates Berkeley had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.00, Georgia II had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.07 indicating two ML-susceptible genotypes. WildCat had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.33 indicating a ML-resistant genotype. The genotype analysis of the European clinical samples showed that all eleven had 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.00, which indicates their genotypes, at these SNP sites, are consistent with ML susceptibility. Conclusions: The results of the current study provides a genotypic analysis of European clinical samples with US SNP molecular markers associated with ML susceptibility and resistance. The eleven clinical samples tested show no genomic evidence of ML-resistance. Vigilance is needed to maintain susceptibility to heartworm preventives in regions of the world so far without resistance. The early adoption of genotyping of clinical D. immitis samples could provide an early indication of the potential development of ML-resistance and aid to distinguish clinical cases of heartworm infection due to ML resistance from those due to a lack of prevention or inadequate compliance, as has been seen in North America.
Modelling the Propagation of Infectious Disease via Transportation Networks
Authors: Graham Daniel J. , - Anupriya , Bansal Prateek
Published: January 2022

The dynamics of human mobility have been known to play a critical role in the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. In this paper, we present a simple compact way to model the transmission of infectious disease through transportation networks using widely available aggregate mobility data in the form of a zone-level origin-destination (OD) travel flow matrix. A key feature of our model is that it not only captures the propagation of infection via direct connections between zones (that is, first-order effects) as in existing studies, but also transmission effects that are due to subsequent interactions in the remainder of the system (that is, higher-order effects). We demonstrate the importance of capturing higher-order effects in a simulation study. We then apply our model to study the first wave of COVID-19 infections in Italy using real-time data on mobility between Italian provinces (that is, province-level OD data) and daily reported caseloads at the same geographical level. Our empirical results indicate substantial predictive power, particularly during early stages of an outbreak. At least 85-percent of the spatial variation in observed weekly province-level COVID-19 cases can be forecasted using our proposed model. Further, from on our model, we derive metrics that could help identify target areas for intervention, specifically during early outbreaks or resurgences of infectious diseases.
Decarbonisation of Eastern European Economies: Monitoring, Economic, Social and Security Concerns
Authors: Radovanović Mirjana , Filipović Sanja , Vukadinović Simonida , Trbojević Milovan , Podbregar Iztok
Published: January 2022

Background. Decarbonisation of the European economy is one of the main strategic goals of energy transition in the European Union (EU), which aims to become a leader in this process by 2050 and to include other European countries making thus the European continent the first carbon neutral region in the world. Although decarbonisation is an important goal of the EU, the models for monitoring the progress of this process have not yet been clearly defined, and views on the social, economic, and security implications in terms of prioritizing decarbonisation are conflicting. The main objective of this paper is to determine the methodological correctness of the existing method of decarbonisation monitoring, to develop a new monitoring model indicating the differences in the EU and European countries that are non-EU and to point out the underlying social, economic and security implications that must certainly find their place in the decision-making process in this field.Results.The main results showed that there is no clearly defined model for monitoring the success of decarbonisation, while the indicators that are commonly used for this purpose make a model that, as the analysis shows – is methodologically incorrect. In the case of EU countries, the following indicators proved to be the most reliable: Consumption based CO2 and Share in global CO2. For non-EU countries, the best monitoring indicators are CO2 per unit of GDP, Consumption based CO2, and Renewable energy consumption. These indicators can explain 99% of the variance in decarbonisation success. Conclusions.The basic conclusion of the paper is that even before the implementation, the decarbonisation monitoring model should be defined and methodologically tested, and the use of a single model for all EU countries or for all countries is not recommended. It is proposed to simplify the monitoring model, with an emphasis on monitoring of Consumption based CO2, which proved to be the most efficient in all sampled countries. The current method of monitoring is based exclusively on environmentally-related indicators while ignoring the fact that decarbonisation is associated with almost all aspects of development. The additional social, economic and security aspects need to be developed and included in the further monitoring process.
Application of high specific surface area Ag/AgCl/TiO2 coupled photocatalyst fabricated by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Yang Zheng-Rong , Lee Po-Ching , Kuo Chun-Yu , Shin Chung-Hao , Lin Ching-Bin
Published: January 2022

This study used a three-dimensional (3D) printing process to develop a Ag/AgCl/TiO2 coupled photocatalyst with a large specific surface area. We examined the catalytic ability of this photocatalyst in methyl blue dye degradation and Escherichia coli sterilization as well as the reliability of its repeated use. A TiO2 module was constructed of fuse filament [through fused filament fabrication (FFF)], and the adopted 3D printing filament was composed of anatase (TiO2) nanoparticles, stearic acid, wax, and a plasticizer. The green compact of the TiO2 module was subjected to solvent debinding, thermal debinding, and sintering to obtain a basic structure that was subsequently coupled with AgCl through a precipitation reaction. Ultraviolet radiation was used for the photoreduction of the coupled product to obtain a Ag/AgCl/TiO2 photocatalyst coupling module. This photocatalyst can effectively degrade methylene blue (MB) dye and disinfect E. coli. The degradation of MB dye and sterilization of E. coli were conducted under visible and ultraviolet light. The degradation of MB dye by Ag/AgCl/TiO2 was a first-order reaction. In addition, this catalyst could retain its MB dye degradation rate (95%) for five cycles. E. coli was sterilized using the prepared photocatalyst in a 120-min test, and this sterilization was a hyperbolic reaction. The photocatalytic module manufactured in this study through FFF can degrade pollutants in water has durability and retains reliability after repeated use.
Re-Irradiation for Recurrent Brain Tumors: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: IQBAL HAFIZ ASIF , Alwassia Rolina K , Mulla Zaheeda , Hussein Ahmed Abdelkhalek , Muamenah Hane Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Objective

To analyze the post-re-RT progression-free survival (PFS) and incidence of radio-necrosis (BRN) in patients with recurrent primary brain tumors and to explore the associated factors.
Method

A retrospective cohort study that included 15 pediatric and adult patients with primary brain tumors who were treated with re-RT between 2011 and 2020. The study endpoints included the post-re-RT PFS, which were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the incidence of radio-necrosis. Baseline demographic and clinical data, primary radiation therapy (RT1) parameters and outcomes, and re-RT parameters and outcomes, were analyzed as factors for the two outcomes.
Result

Of the 15 participants, 7 had glioblastoma and 5 had anaplastic ependymoma. The mean interval from first RT to re-RT was 24 months (range=2 – 60 months). The mean total cumulative dose after re-RT as per EQD2 (equivalent dose in 2 Gy) fractions was 101.97 Gy (max 135.6 Gy). The total mean (max) cumulative doses for organs at risk as per EQD2 after re-RT were 54.05 (92.93) Gy for brain stem, 41.19 (87.94) Gy for optic chiasma, and 28.79 (77.18) Gy and 28.6 (88.71) Gy for left and right optic nerves respectively. Disease progression occurred in 10/15 patients, and the median PFS was 4 months (95%CI=0 – 9.1). Although not statistically significant, PFS was likely to be prolonged in case of low-grade tumors, longer RT1–re-RT time. Radiation necrosis occurred in 2 patients.
Conclusion

The expected clinical benefits against the adverse effects should be contemplated for re-irradiation in primary brain tumors.
Mixed reality-based digital twin implementation approach for flexible manufacturing system design
Authors: Huang Shixuan , Mao Yebing , Peng Zhengchao , Hu Xiaobing
Published: January 2022

Digital twin (DT) technology is essentially the equivalent mapping of the physical world in the digital space, and is therefore also considered to be a central technology to realize cyber-physical systems (CPS). Traditional DT implementations suffer from data diversity and lack of efficient visual human-machine interface while mixed reality (MR) technology provides a new possibility due to its powerful immersion and interactivity. In this paper, we propose an MR-based DT implementation approach for the flexible manufacturing system (FMS) design. Discrete event simulation model and mixed reality scene are applied to enable multiple users to collaboratively evaluate and optimize design schemes in a dynamic simulation way and an immersive and interactive environment respectively. In this approach, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the facility layout problem which is one of the core problems of FMS design. Furthermore, the DT created in the design stage, which is a virtual representation of the physical FMS, can be extended to the whole FMS lifecycle, including the manufacturing and service stages. A case study of application on a real FMS is presented to illustrate the advantage of this approach.
Development of a System for the Automated Identification of Herbarium Specimens with High Accuracy
Authors: Shirai Masato , Takano Atsuko , Kurosawa Takahide , Inoue Masato , Tagane Shuichiro , Tanimoto Tomoya , Koganeyama Tohru , Sato Hirayuki , Terasawa Tomohiko , Horie Takehito , Mandai Isao , Akihiro Takashi
Published: January 2022

Herbarium specimens are dried plants mounted to paper. They are used by a limited number of researchers, such as plant taxonomists, as a source of information on morphology and distribution. Recently, digitised herbarium specimens have begun to be used in comprehensive research to address broader issues. However, some specimens have been misidentified, and if used, there is a risk of drawing incorrect conclusions. In this study, we successfully developed a system for identifying species names with high accuracy using an image recognition system. We developed a system with an accuracy of 96.4% using 500,554 specimen images of 2,171 plant species in 192 families that grow in Japan. It is clarified where AI is looking and make decisions, and which species is mistaken for which species. As the system can be applied to digitalised images worldwide, it should be useful for selecting and correcting misidentified herbarium specimens.
Development of User Suitability Evaluation Method of Cognitive Training System Through Application x
Authors: Kim NaHyeon , Jeong JaeHoon , Kwon BumSun , Kim DaeChang , Na YoungJun , Kim SungMin
Published: January 2022

Background: To check in advance whether there are any problems in use and to address these in the process of designing a medical device, it is necessary to evaluate user suitability. Yet currently, there are a few user suitability evaluation constructs established for unique technologies. Therefore, the development of user suitability evaluation constructs for the user suitability evaluation of self-developed computerized cognitive rehabilitation applications should be prioritized. Method: To evaluate the user suitability of the computerized cognitive rehabilitation application developed in this paper, we derived the user suitability evaluation constructs of user satisfaction, time satisfaction, difficulty, comprehension, effectiveness, efficiency, and error, and after clinical trials for user suitability evaluation, we analyzed the results and tried to identify and address the problems of the developed evaluation constructs. Twenty-four senior citizens over 55 years of age participated in the clinical trial, and performed cognitive rehabilitation training once a week for 3 weeks using our self-developed cognitive rehabilitation application. Result: As the weeks progressed, satisfaction increased in orientation training and concentration training. User suitability evaluation constructs for effectiveness, efficiency, and error were appropriate, but there were insufficient aspects in the evaluation scales for user satisfaction, time satisfaction, difficulty, and understanding; Conclusion: we were able to derive an improvement plan by extracting the established user suitability evaluation scale. Trial registration: Ethics approval and consent to participate. The evaluation was conducted after obtaining Institutional Review Board approval from Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital (DUIH2020-07-001-001).