bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans ATCC 49919 genome and identification of several strains harbouring a highly syntenic nic-genes cluster
Authors: El-Sabeh Amada , Mlesnita Andreea-Mihaela , Munteanu Iustin-Tiberius , Honceriu Iasmina , Kallabi Fakhri , Boiangiu Razvan-Stefan , Mihasan Marius
Published: May 2023

Background Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans ATCC 49919 uses the pyridine-pathway to degrade nicotine and could provide a renewable source of precursors from nicotine-containing waste as well as a model for studying the molecular evolution of catabolic pathways and their spread by horizontal gene transfer via soil bacterial plasmids.Results In the present study, the strain was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) MinION platforms. Following hybrid assembly with Unicycler, the complete genome sequence of the strain was obtained and used as reference for whole-genome-based phylogeny analyses. A total of 64 related genomes were analysed; five Arthrobacter strains showed both digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values over the species threshold when compared to P. nicotinovorans ATCC 49919. Five plasmids and two contigs belonging to Arthrobacter and Paenarthrobacter strains were shown to be virtually identical with the pAO1 plasmid of Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans ATCC 49919. Moreover, a highly syntenic nic-genes cluster was identified on five plasmids, one contig and three chromosomes. The nic-genes cluster contains two major locally collinear blocks that appear to form a putative catabolic transposon. Although the origins of the nic-genes cluster and the putative transposon still elude us, we hypothesise here that the ATCC 49919 strain most probably evolved from Paenarthrobacter sp. YJN-D or a very closely related strain by acquiring the pAO1 megaplasmid and the nicotine degradation pathway.Conclusions The data presented here offers another snapshot into the evolution of plasmids harboured by Arthrobacter and Paenarthrobacter species and their role in the spread of metabolic traits by horizontal gene transfer among related soil bacteria.
Controlled tumor heterogeneity in a co-culture system by 3D bio-printed tumor-on-chip model
Authors: Moghimi Nafiseh , Hosseini Seied Ali , Dalan Altay Burak , Mohammadizadeh Dorsa , Goldman Aaron , Kohandel Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Background: Cancer treatment resistance is a consequence of cell diversity and tumor heterogeneity. Tumor cell-cell and cell-microenvironment interactions significantly influence tumor progression and invasion, which have important implications for diagnosis, therapeutic treatment and chemoresistance.
Method: In this study, we develop 3D bioprinted in vitro models of the breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) made of co-cultured cells distributed in a hydrogel matrix with controlled architecture to model tumor heterogeneity. We hypothesize that the tumor could be represented by a cancer cell-laden co-culture hydrogel construct, whereas its microenvironment can be modeled in a microfluidic chip capable of producing a chemical gradient. Breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells (MCF10) were embedded in the alginate-gelatine hydrogels and printed using a multi-cartridge extrusion bioprinter.
Results: Our method gives special control on the cell positions in the co-culture system, whereas different tumor architectures can be designed. Cellularly heterogeneous samples comprised of two different cancer cells with controlled density are developed in specific initial locations, i.e. two cell types randomly mixed or positioned in sequential layers. A migration-inducing chemical microenvironment was created in a chamber with a gradual chemical gradient to study the cell migration in the complex tumor construct toward the chemoattractant. As a proof of concept, the different migration pattern of MC7 cells toward the epithelial growth factor gradient was studied with presence of MCF10 in different ratio in this device.
Conclusion: Combining 3D bioprinting with microfluidic device in our method provides a great tool to create different tumor architectures as can be seen in different patients, and study cancer cells behaviour with accurate special and temporal resolution.
Food Consumption and Body Composition Are Associated With Metabolic Syndrome Score in Children
Authors: Lourenço Larissa , Viola Poliana , Franceschini Sylvia , Rosa Carla , Ribeiro Sarah
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Risk factors for metabolic disorders in childhood are likely to persist into adulthood. It is, therefore, important to identify these factors early to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes. Thus, this study evaluated the following factors associated with MS in children aged four to seven years: sociodemography, lifestyle, food consumption and nutritional status.
METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted with 397 children (4-7 years) who were monitored during their early months of life via the Lactation Support Program (PROLAC). The continuous risk score for MS was assessed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the MS risk factors used to calculate the score were Waist circumference (WC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TG), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and blood sugar.
In order to evaluate the continuous score’s cut-off point capable of predicting MS risk, a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve was employed. The factors associated with MS were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis with the addition of variables by levels according to the hierarchical theoretical model.
RESULTS: The chance of MS was 1.58 times higher among overweight children (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.07 - 2.32). A higher calorie intake (OR: 1.0005; 95%CI: 1.0002 - 1.0008) was found to increase the chance of MS. Also, a higher percentage of lean body mass reduced the chance of presenting MS among the children (OR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.94 - 0.98).
CONCLUSION: In children, higher calorie intake, excess weight and lower percentage of lean mass were associated with a greater chance of MS.
A None-zero Mean Noise Adding Mechanism in Differential Privacy in Federated Learning of Neural Networks Based on Fully Homomorphic Encryption and Greedy Average Block Kaczmarz
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Qiong-Yun , Zhang Yahao , Zhang Zi-Xuan , Feng Ya-Ning , Cao Yu-Feng
Published: May 2023

Scholars propose a noise adding mechanism in local differential privacy to provide a strict privacy guarantee to federated learning. However, there are two problems. On the one hand, the noisy data is close to its original value with high probability due to the zero mean random noise, leading to the information exposure. On the other hand, a large variance of the noise makes the estimated average of the parameters bias. To overcome the difficulties, we propose a framework of none-zero mean noise adding mechanism in differential privacy in federated learning of deep networks based on fully homomorphic encryption and greedy average block Kaczmarz method. In the work, a none-zero mean adding noise to original data is determined locally according to the correlation between the local and global distributions. Using fully homomorphic encryption and greedy average block Kaczmarz method, a de-noising weighting aggregation strategy is derived without decryption of the mean to guarantee the privacy of user by a third party. Moreover, the weight is generated complete randomly so that it is difficult to obtain the mean. As the means are different among the clients and unpredictable for attackers, the variance of the noise can be small. Experiments show that the proposed method provides a higher level of accuracy than the non-privacy-preserving federated learning, while it guarantee privacy for multi-party machine learning tasks.
Chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy plus 125I brachytherapy for the second-line treatment of locally recurrent cervical cancer after/with radical treatment: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Huang Zhimei , Yao Wang , Zhong Zhihui , Yang Guang , Liu Jihong , Gu Haifeng , Huang Jinhua
Published: May 2023

Objectives To retrospectively compare the survival between chemotherapy alone and the combination of chemotherapy and 125I brachytherapy for recurrent cervical cancer (CC) after radical treatment with failure from first-line chemotherapy.Methods Patients with recurrent CC after radical treatment with failure from first-line chemotherapy were collected between January 2007 and December 2016 from the two medical centers, and allocated into 2 groups. Group A underwent second-line chemotherapy alone and Group B received the combination of second-line chemotherapy and 125I brachytherapy. The overall survival (OS) as well as progression free survival (PFS) were evaluated. Propensity score matching (1:1), Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, along with cox proportional hazards regression were performed for survival analysis.Results A matched cohort with Group A (n = 88) and Group B (n = 88) were included. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative PFS rates were 40.9%, 15.9%, 5.7% in Group A and 79.5%, 48.9%, 25.0% in Group B, respectively; and the difference was significant between groups (P = 0.003). Besides, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative OS rates were 67.0%, 27.3%, 5.7% in Group A and 89.8%, 63.6%, 30.7% in Group B, respectively, with significant difference between groups (P < 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of complications was similar between groups (P = 0.698).Conclusions The combination of chemotherapy and 125I brachytherapy has better therapeutic effect but similar rates of complications compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with locally recurrent CC after radical treatment with failure from first-line chemotherapy.
"It is human work": qualitatively exploring community roles that facilitate cultural food security for people from refugee backgrounds
Authors: Gingell Tina , Adhikari Rishita , Eltahir Nehal , Ntahomvukiye Fulgence , Pe Evelyn , Murray Kate , Correa-Velez Ignacio , Gallegos Danielle
Published: May 2023

Background Cultural food security is crucial for cultural health and, for people from refugee backgrounds, to assist with the settlement journey. Upon arrival in a new environment, people seek to form new relationships to create a sense of belonging, and food is often used as a pathway to achieve these connections. When displaced communities can act autonomously, new foodways may be formed to sustain cultural food security, and as a result, communities flourish. However, there is a lack of understanding about how refugee-background communities sustain cultural food security in the Australian context. This study aimed to explore key roles in refugee-background communities to understand why they were important and how they facilitate cultural food security.Methods Community researchers conducted interviews with people who came from a refugee-background community, lived in Greater Brisbane, and who fulfilled a key food role in the community that facilitated access to cultural foods. Participants were interviewed in the language and location they preferred. Data were collected on the participant’s role and activities supporting cultural food security. Transcripts were collectively analysed using a best-practice framework for collaborative data analysis.Results Six interviews were conducted between August and December 2022. Participants filled crucial and unique roles facilitating access to cultural foods for communities in Greater Brisbane. Cultural food security supported settlement by creating connections across geographical locations and cultures, and generated a sense of belonging that supported the settlement journey. Communities utilised communication methods that prioritised the knowledge, wisdom and experience of community members. This communication method allowed community members to influence the decisions of community retailers to increase the supply of cultural foods. Community leaders had an ethos that reflected collectivist values, where the needs of the community were an important part of their own health and wellbeing.Conclusions Communities are inherently structured and communicate in a way which allows collective agency over foodways supporting cultural food security. This collective agency is suggestive of food sovereignty where food justice and access are prioritised. Researchers and public health workers should work with communities and recognise community expertise and agency over foodways. Food security interventions should target cultural food security and autonomy.
The F-box protein encoding genes of the leaf-rust fungi Puccinia triticina: Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression dynamics during pathogenesis
Authors: Gidhi Anupama , Jha Shailendra Kumar , Kumar Manish , Mukhopadhyay Kunal
Published: May 2023

Aim - This study was aimed at identifying F-box genes in Puccinia triticina, the causal organism for the leaf rust disease in wheat and inferring their role in pathogenicity in susceptible wheat plants.
Methods and results - Genome-wide analysis revealed 10 F-box genes and were characterized using in silico approaches for revealing phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, gene ontology, protein properties, sequence analysis and gene expression studies. Domain analysis predicted functional domains like WD40 and LRR at C-terminus along with the obvious presence of F-box motif in N-terminal. MSA showed amino acid replacements, which might be due to nucleotide substitution during replication. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the F-box proteins with similar domains to be clustered together while some were spread out in different clades, might be due to functional diversity. The clustering of GG705409 and TaAFB4/TaAFB5 in a single clade suggested the possibilities of horizontal gene transfer during the coevolution between Pucciniaand wheat. Gene ontological annotation categorized them into three classes and were functionally involved in protein degradation through the protein ubiquitination pathway. Protein-protein interaction network revealed F-box proteins to interact with other components of SCF complex involved in protein ubiquitination. Relative expression analysis of five F-box genes in a time course experiment denoted their role in pathogenicity in leaf rust susceptible wheat plants.
Conclusion- This study provides information on structure elucidation of F-box proteins of a basidiomycetes plant pathogenic fungi and their role during pathogenesis. A total of 10 F-box genes were predicted in Puccinia triticina genome sequences that revealed conserved phylogenetic relationship among different Pucciniaspecies. Expression analysis imparted their role in pathogenicity.
A study of the inter- and intra-operator variability on echocardiographic measurements in dogs
Authors: Ghilardi Sara , Pradelli Danitza , Rizzi Rita M. , Polli Michele , Bagardi Mara , Santilli Roberto A. , Brambilla Paola G. , Bussadori Claudio M.
Published: May 2023

Standard transthoracic echocardiography is considered the non-invasive gold standard for the diagnosis of most cardiac diseases. Defining reproducibility, repeatability, and reliability of this exam is imperative to reduce errors in clinical evaluations. The present study aimed at: 1) evaluating the reproducibility and repeatability of 15 echocardiographic parameters in dogs by analyzing measurements obtained from several operators with different levels of experience and comparing them to the ones obtained from two board-certified operators (gold standards - GSs); 2) assessing whether different formative paths have an influence on the variability of the echocardiographic measurements. Fifty-one operators have been included in this study, along with two diplomates of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Cardiology. Ten dogs were enrolled, 5 Golden Retrievers and 5 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Echocardiographic examination was performed on each dog by one GS and several operators on the same day. Results show that M-mode measurements of the interventricular septum and the left ventricular free wall are the least reliable ones since they show a high deviation from the GS and a poor inter-operator reproducibility. Differently, M-mode-obtained internal diameters of the left ventricle in systole and diastole, and measurements of the aortic annulus and root are the most reliable echocardiographic parameters, demonstrating that all the operators can correctly assess left ventricular systolic function and dilation, and evaluate the aortic valve. Furthermore, a specialist clinical activity, more than the acquired theoretical knowledge, affects the reliability of the echocardiographic examination by reducing the difference from the GS’ measurements.
The mechanism of Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal by coffee grounds biochar: Role of KOH modification
Authors: Deng Zhihua , Ma Peiyao , Xiang Ping
Published: May 2023

In order to make comprehensive use of coffee grounds, and to investigate the effect of KOH on the surface properties of biochar and the adsorption performance of heavy metal Pb(II) and Cd(II), this paper investigates the surface properties and the adsorption performance of unmodified and modified biochar for heavy metal Pb and Cd ions by means of SEM, elemental analysis, FTIR, XRD and other characterization, adsorption kinetics, adsorption thermodynamic model fitting, and other adsorption experiments. The results show that the modified biochar has the best adsorption performance for heavy metals, the maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II)and Cd(II) reaches 593 mg/g and 128 mg/g respectively, and the adsorption process is mainly chemical adsorption. An isothermal sorption fit using the Langmuir and Freundlich model can better reflect the sorption behaviour and properties of biochar in coffee grounds. The results show that KOH modification has a good activation on biochar, and KOH- activated biochar from coffee grounds has excellent adsorption performance on Pb(II) and Cd(II).
Are The Seizures Under Control or Unnoticed? Electroclinical Evaluation of Epilepsy with Eyelid Myoclonia
Authors: Yasguclukal Miray Atacan , Gulec Bade , Elmali Ayse Deniz , Yalcinkaya Cengiz , Demirbilek Veysi
Published: May 2023

Purpose In this study, patients with epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (E-EM) were evaluated according to their EEG findings, seizure outcomes, and their consistency with the final ictal EEG findings. We also investigated the possible prognostic factors.Methods Patients with E-EM and at least two years of follow-up in our clinic were included in the study. We analyzed the presence of eyelid myoclonia, absence and myoclonic seizure, and generalized tonic-clonic seizure for the prior two years and then verified with the latest ictal EEG features. Video-EEGs were analyzed according to the background activity, the existence of generalized spike-wave discharge or polyspike-wave complexes, focal spike-wave discharge, photoparoxysmal responses, and fast activity.Results Twenty-one patients were involved in this study. In six patients, the seizures were undetected on the first EEGs, whereas they were detected on subsequent ones. The seizures were captured on the first EEGs of six patients; however, they disappeared on subsequent ones. Only one patient had seizures detected on every EEG. The consistency of the seizures was variable in eight patients. At final follow-up, seizures were reported as under control for more than two years in 12 patients, according to patients and their parents’ report. However, ictal EEG findings were detected in six of these patients. No electroclinical feature was associated with seizure freedom.Conclusion This study provides further evidence that the prognosis of E-EM is complicated and probably poor. The patients and their parents may not be aware of the seizures. Therefore, video-EEG monitorization is essential during follow-up.
Real-time Co-PPGIS Based Integrated Grievance Redressal Management System Modeling of Public Water Utilities of Lahore
Authors: Mehmood Rashid , Mahmood Syed Muhammad Amer , Butt Muhammad Atif
Published: May 2023

Lahore is the most populated and a rapid growing city of the province Punjab, Pakistan. The need of the time is to bank on e-governess to meet the demands of the people. To satisfy the complaint and grievance linked to the city emergency services, water supply and sanitation. Currently, these services are being handled by each department themselves and no proper centralized grievance system exists. There is no integrated approach adopted in response to complaints in Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), established by Lahore Development Authority (LDA). GPS mobile phones have become equally common in urban and rural areas. This paper will introduce an innovated technology based system name GIS-based real-time Grievance Redressal management system which is initially designed for Lahore. This system employs the Collaborative Public Participatory GIS (Co-PPGIS) environment for visualizing and analyzing the real-time Geo-statistical data both in spatial and non-spatial view through mobile and web based applications. The customer will register their complaint through android and web based applications equipped with map and participatory tools provided by the GIS. This paper provides a structure to overcome the mismanagement issues in government agencies and devises a check and balance flow model primarily for public utilities like water supply, sanitation and sewage. Hence, this paper is an effort to resolve public issues and grievance real-time engagement in faster, accurate and trustworthy way.
Dynamics in a memristor-coupled heterogeneous neuron network under electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Peng Cheng , Li Zhijun , Wang Mengjiao , Ma Minglin
Published: May 2023

The electromagnetic environment around neurons is very complex, and studying the effect of electromagnetic radiation on the firing behavior of neurons is of great significance. In this paper, we establish a memristor coupled heterogeneous neuron network composed of a HR neuron and a FHN neuron, where the effect of electromagnetic radiation is modeled by the induced current of the flux-controlled memristor. The firing behaviors of the network are studied through phase diagrams, time series, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectrums, and local attraction basins. It is found that under different initial conditions, the network exhibits different bifurcation routes by varying the coupling strength, resulting in the coexistence of multiple firing patterns. More interestingly, the network, under different initials, appears completely opposite bifurcation routes when the electromagnetic radiation intensity varies. In addition, synchronous firing behavior between two heterogeneous neurons is also explored. It is observed that both neurons can achieve phase synchronization when the coupling strength decreases to a negative value. Finally, the numerical analysis is verified by the Multisim circuit.
Host’s body mass, not sex, affects ectoparasite loads in yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis
Authors: Zduniak Milena , Serafini Sarah , Wróbel Aleksandra , Zwolak Rafał
Published: May 2023

We investigated the presence and potential causes of sex bias in ectoparasite infestations in the yellow-necked mouseApodemus flavicollis. We compared the natural tick and flea burdens of male and female mice in a temperate beech forest and assessed whether the observed differences were driven by host sex or body mass. We found that males were more heavily infested by ticks compared to female mice. However, this difference was driven by host body mass, and not sex itself. Host body mass positively correlated with flea loads, but there was no evidence of sex bias in flea abundance. In addition, the abundance of both ticks and fleas infesting yellow-necked mice changed over time, both seasonally (month to month) and annually (year to year). Our results underscore the importance of the sexual size dimorphism and the parasite taxon as the primary factors that influence the occurrence of sex-biased parasitism in small mammals.
Rosmarinic acid ameliorated oxidative stress, neuronal injuries, and mitochondrial dysfunctions mediated by polyglutamine and ɑ-synuclein in Caenorhabditis elegans models
Authors: Chen Yun , Xu Ruina , Liu Qiaoxing , Zeng Yanting , Chen Weitian , Liu Yongfa , Cao Yong , Liu Guo , Chen Yunjiao
Published: May 2023

Numerous natural antioxidants have been developed into agents for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) treatment. Rosmarinic acid (RA), an excellent antioxidant, exhibits neuroprotective activity, but its anti-NDs efficacy still reminds puzzled. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans models were employed to systematically reveal RA-mediated mechanisms in delaying NDs from diverse facets, including oxidative stress, the homeostasis of neural and protein, and mitochondrial disorders. Firstly, RA significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation, reduced peroxide malonaldehyde production, and strengthened the antioxidant defense system via increasing superoxide dismutase activity. Besides, RA activated Notch and Wnt signaling to promote neurohomeostasis, reduce neuronal loss, and ameliorated polyglutamine and ɑ-synuclein-mediated dyskinesia in NDs models. Further, RA enhanced proteostasis by activating insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling, mitogen activated protein kinases and heat-shock factor 1 pathways. More importantly, molecular docking results revealed that RA specifically bound huntington protein and ɑ-synuclein to prevent toxic protein aggregation, which was consistent with the data that RA diminished polyglutamine and ɑ-synuclein aggregates in nematodes. Finally, RA ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction including increasing adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential levels and rescuing mitochondrial membrane proteins’ expressions and mitochondrial structural abnormalities via regulating mitochondrial dynamics genes and improving the mitochondrial kinetic homeostasis. Thus, this study systematically revealed the RA-mediated neuroprotective mechanism and promoted RA as a promising nutritional intervention strategy to prevent NDs.
Intelligent recommendation system of injection molding process parameters based on CAE simulation, process window and machine learning
Authors: Ma Yitao , Dang Kaifang , Wang Xinming , Zhou Yang , Yang Weimin , Xie Pengcheng
Published: May 2023

In this research, a recommendation system was designed for optimizing the injection molding process parameters. The system incorporates the utilization of process windows, XGBoost, and genetic algorithms. CAE simulations were conducted to generate process window data and simulation data. Automatic hyperparameter optimization of the XGBoost was performed using grid search and cross-validation methods. The system employs 5 injection molding feature parameters as input and one product feature as output, and SEGA was used for predicting the optimal injection molding process parameters. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated using an RMSE of 0.0202 and an R2of 0.9826. The accuracy of the system was verified by conducting real production. The deviation of the product weight obtained from real production from the desired weight is 0.22%, which means that the prediction model achieves a correct rate of 99.78%. This recommendation system has a significant application value in reducing production costs and cycle time, as it can provide initial injection process parameter suggestions solely through the mold's digital data.
Applying the COM-B behavior model to inform the delivery of spatial repellents and insecticide-treated clothing among forest exposed populations in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia
Authors: Chen Ingrid , Doum Dyna , Mannion Kylie , Hustedt John , Sovannaroth Siv , McIver David , Macdonald Michael , Lobo Neil F , Tatarsky Allison , Handley Margaret , Neukom Josselyn
Published: May 2023

Background: Southeast Asia is making tremendous progress towards their 2030 malaria elimination goal but needs new interventions to stop forest malaria. This study trials two new vector control tools, a volatile pyrethroid spatial repellent (VSPR) and insecticide-treated clothing (ITC), amongst forest-exposed populations in Mondulkiri Province Cambodia to inform their potential use for eliminating forest malaria.
Methods: 21 forest-exposed individuals were given a questionnaire on their perceptions of malaria and preventive practices used, after which they trialed two products sequentially. Mixed methods were used to understand their experience, attitudes, and preferences regarding the products trialed. Quantitative data was summarized and qualitative insights were analyzed using thematic analysis, applying the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behavior Change (COM-B) model and Behavior Change Wheel Framework to identify intervention functions to support tailored product rollout amongst these populations.
Results: Study participants reported a need for protection from mosquito bites in outdoor and forest-exposed settings and perceived both products trialed to be effective for this purpose. The VPSR product was preferred when travel was not required, whereas ITC was preferred for ease of use when going to the forest, especially in rainy conditions. COM-B analysis identified that key enablers for use of both products included their perceived efficacy and ease of use, which required no skill or preparation. For barriers to use, the odor of ITC was sometimes perceived as being toxic, as well as its inability to protect uncovered skin from mosquito bites, while the perceived usefulness of the VPSR product trialed was limited by its water sensitivity in rainy forest settings. Intervention components to encourage appropriate and sustained use of these products include education about how to use these products and what to expect, persuasion to use them from community leaders and targeted ads, and enablement to guarantee access.
Conclusion: The rollout of VPSRs and ITC amongst forest-exposed populations can be useful for eliminating malaria in Southeast Asia. Study findings can be applied to increase product uptake in Cambodia, while research efforts can aim to develop products that are rainproof, easy to use in forest settings, and have favorable odor profiles to target users.
Dotinurad restores exacerbated kidney dysfunction in hyperuricemic patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Amano Hoichi , Kobayashi Seiji , Terawaki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Background In this study, we aimed to clarify the beneficial effects of urate-lowering treatment with the novel agent dotinurad on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperuricemia (HUA).Methods Thirty-five patients with CKD (mean age 65.4 ± 14.8 years, 23 men) diagnosed with HUA were recruited. Changes in eGFR before and after dotinurad administration were assessed.Results During the 3-month observation period, mean eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) declined significantly from 35.5 ± 16.8 to 31.8 ± 16.4, whereas it recovered to 36.5 ± 17.5 after dotinurad administration. The increase in eGFR after dotinurad administration was correlated with a decrease in sUA (R = 0.375, p = 0.0263).Conclusion Dotinurad administration to patients with CKD and HUA appears to be beneficial in restoring kidney function. Dotinurad may represent a potential medication for the prevention of kidney function decline caused by HUA.
Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with Neutropenic Fever and COVID-19 Infection: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Fatuyi Michael , Multani Maneet , Mansouri Borna , Sharath Deepali Boothankad , Feghali Joe , Olafimihan Ayobami , Elabd Hatem , Patel Anar , Alsidawi Samir
Published: May 2023

Importance: Neutropenic fever (NF) is an oncological emergency associated with worse outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of existing literature describing the association between neutropenic fever and COVID-19 infection.
Objective: This study investigates the effect of COVID-19 infection on outcomes of hospitalization with neutropenic fever, highlighting the patients’ characteristics.
Design: Retrospective cohort analyses were conducted using the National Inpatient Sample database year 2020.
Setting: Population-basedinpatient database in the United States
Participants: All neutropenic fever adult hospitalizations (16,790 patients) were identified from the database using ICD-10 codes and were stratified into with and without COVID-19 infection.
Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome of interest was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes include respiratory failure, hemorrhagic shock, septic shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), health economic burden defined as longer length of stay (LOS), higher hospital cost, and patient charge.
Results: The database query generated 16,790 adult patients with a primary diagnosis of neutropenic fever. Of these, 145 patients had concurrent neutropenic fever and COVID-19 infection. Patients with neutropenic fever and COVID-19 infection had 14 times higher odds (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 13.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.6 – 51.8) of inpatient mortality when compared to those without COVID-19. Additionally, they had 21 times greater odds of septic shock [10.3% vs. 0.4%, aOR/aIRR = 20.8, 95% CI 4.5 – 96.5], and 11 times higher odds of respiratory failure [27.6% vs. 4.0%, aOR/aIRR = 10.6, 95% CI 4.1 – 27.5] when compared to their counterparts without COVID-19. Furthermore, these patients had longer hospital stay (9.1 vs. 5.1 days, aIRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.3–2.4), higher average hospital cost ($20,279 vs. $15,357, aIRR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.7), and higher average patient charges ($96,300 vs. $57,338, aIRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 – 2.7)
Conclusion and Relevance: Neutropenic fever with concurrent COVID-19 infection was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality, greater risk of septic shock, respiratory failure, longer average hospital stay, and higher average hospital cost. Further research is needed to explore interventions to improve outcomes in hospitalized neutropenic fever patients with COVID-19. Prevention of COVID-19 infection in this population is expedient.
Water yield of mine analysis and prediction method based on EEMD-PSO- ELM-LSTM model
Authors: Zhao Zexi , Yao Xiwen , Xu Kaili , Song Jinhong , Chen Xuehui
Published: May 2023

In view of the complexity of mine water inflow data analysis and the uncertainty of prediction and prediction and other key issues, according to the data characteristics of metal mine water inflow, a method of mine water inflow analysis and prediction based on EEMD PSO-ELM-LSTM is proposed by applying the phase space reconstruction idea and the fusion modeling concept. Taking the monthly average water inflow of JIAOJIA Gold Mine in China from January 2014 to October 2021 as an example. Firstly, the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) is used to decompose the measured data series of mine water inflow into trend components, seasonal components, and remainder components, and the remainder components are treated as noise and removed; Subsequently, based on the data characteristics of the decomposed component data, the PSO-ELM algorithm is selected to analyze and predict the seasonal components of water inflow, and the LSTM model is applied to analyze and predict the trend components of water inflow; Finally, the analysis and prediction results of the two are superimposed and reconstructed to obtain the final analysis and prediction results. In addition, comparative predictions were made using EEMD PSO-ELM-LSTM, LSTM, and EEMD LSTM. Compared with the independent prediction models LSTM and EEMD LSTM, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the EEMD PSO-ELM-LSTM algorithm proposed in this paper has been reduced by 248.04 and 76.27, respectively; Mean Square Error (MSE) decreased by 0.047 and 0.011, respectively; At the same time, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of the model proposed in this article is closer to 1. In summary, the EEMD PSO-ELM-LSTM mine water inflow analysis and prediction method has certain reliability and superiority, which helps to promote accurate prediction of average mine water inflow and reduce the occurrence of water inrush accidents in metal mines.
Stapler port position determination using 3-dimensional virtual simulation software in robot-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Kawada Masaya , Mori Yuki
Published: May 2023

Background In robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) lobectomy using a robotic stapler, stapling is difficult when the stapler port place is close to the resection target vessel. We examined whether three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) software enables stapler port place determination for stapling.Methods Seventy-three patients who underwent RATS lobectomy were enrolled. The SureForm 45 Curved-Tip stapler (136 mm from the remote center to the anvil tip) was used. The virtual distance between the resection target vessel and stapler port place (VD) was preoperatively measured with 3D-CT software. The stapler port place was the most cranial intercostal space with a VD ≥ 136 mm. The actual distance between the resection target vessel and anvil tip (AD) was measured intraoperatively. We examined the associations of the difficulty in stapling with VD, AD, chest wall damage, and clinical features.Results Stapling was easier with a larger anteroposterior thoracic diameter and AD. The cut-off VD and AD for smooth stapling were 142 mm and 6 mm. Chest wall damage was frequently observed at the caudal and dorsal side ports.Conclusions As the stapler port place is located more caudally, stapling becomes easier. However, chest wall damage increases. If the stapler port place is positioned at a site ensuring VD ≥ 142 mm by 3D-CT software, smooth stapling may be possible with a decreased incidence of chest wall damage.
Optimal Trade Execution in Cryptocurrency Markets
Authors: Bundi Nils , Wei Ching-Lin , Khashanah Khaldoun
Published: May 2023

Novel technologies allow cryptocurrency exchanges to offer innovative services that set them apart from other exchanges. In this paper we study the distinct features of cryptocurrency fee schedules and the implications for optimal trade execution. We formulate an optimal execution strategy that minimizes the trading fees charged by the exchange. We further provide a proof for the existence of an optimal execution strategy for this type of fee schedule. In fact, the optimal strategy involves both market and limit orders on various price levels. The optimal order distribution scheme depends on the market conditions expressed in terms of the distribution of limit order execution probabilities and the exchange's specific configuration of the fee schedule. Our results indicate that a strategy kernel with an exponentially decaying allocation of trade volume to price levels further away from the best price provides a superior performance and potential reduction of trade execution cost of more than 60%. The robustness of these results is confirmed in an empirical study. To our knowledge this is the first study of optimal trade execution that takes into consideration the full fee schedule of exchanges in general.
O. volvulus microfilariae in the anterior chambers of the eye and ocular adverse events after a single dose of 8 mg moxidectin or 150 µg/kg ivermectin: Results of a randomized double-blind Phase 3 trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Liberia
Authors: Kanza Eric M , Nyathirombo Amos , Larbelee Jemmah P. , Opoku Nicholas O , Bakajika Didier K. , Howard Hayford M , Mambandu Germain L , Nigo Maurice M , Wonyarossi Deogratias Ucima , Ngave Françoise , Kennedy Kambale Kasonia , Kataliko Kambale , Bolay Kpehe M , Attah Simon K , Olipoh George , Asare Sampson , Mumbere Mupenzi , Vaillant Michel , Halleux Christine , Kuesel Annette C.
Published: May 2023

Background After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with high O. volvulus microfilaridermia. Assuming long-term ivermectin use led to < 5 microfilariae/mg skin (SmfD) with little or no eye involvement, DEC + ivermectin + albendazole treatment a few months after ivermectin was proposed. In 2018, the US FDA approved moxidectin for treatment of O. volvulus infection. The Phase 3 study evaluated ivermectin-naïve individuals with ≥ 10 SmfD for skin and ocular microfilariae and adverse events (AEs) for 12–18 months after a single treatment (8mg moxidectin, n = 978 or 150µg/kg ivermectin n = 494).Methods We descriptively analyzed the data from 1463 participants with both eyes evaluated using six (0, 1–5, 6–10, 11–20, 21–40, > 40) categories for microfilariae in the anterior chamber (mfAC) and three pre-treatment (< 20, 20-<50, ≥ 50) and post-treatment (0, > 0–5, > 5) SmfD categories. A linear mixed model evaluated factors and covariates impacting mfAC levels. Ocular AEs were summarized by type and start post-treatment. Logistic models evaluated factors and covariates impacting the risk for ocular AEs.Results Moxidectin and ivermectin had the same effect on mfAC levels. These increased from pre-treatment to Day 4 and Month 1 in 20% and 16% of participants, respectively. Six and 12 months post-treatment, mfAC were detected in ≈ 5% and ≈ 3% of participants, respectively. Ocular Mazzotti reactions occurred in 12.4% of moxidectin- and 10.2% of ivermectin-treated participants without difference in type or severity. The risk for ≥ 1 ocular Mazzotti reaction increased for women (OR 1.537, 95% CI 1.096–2.157) and with mfAC levels pre- and 4 days post-treatment (OR 0:>10 mfAC 2.704, 95% CI 1.27–5.749 and 1.619, 95% CI 0.80–3.280, respectively).Conclusions The impact of SmfD and of mfAC levels before and early after treatment on ocular AEs needs to be better understood before decisions on the risk-benefit of strategies including DEC. Such decisions should consider interindividual variability in SmfD, mfAC levels and treatment response and risks to even a small percentage of individuals.Trial registration The study was registered on 14 November 2008 in Clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT00790998).
The mental health impacts of fuel poverty: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bennett Natalie C , Khavandi Sam , McColl Lewis , McGowan Victoria J
Published: May 2023

Objective
To map the literature base of fuel poverty and mental health, including the operationalisation of fuel poverty and the explanations given for the link between fuel poverty and mental health.
Introduction
In a context of rising fuel costs affecting nations worldwide, more people are likely to find themselves in fuel poverty. Fuel poverty is associated with detrimental physical health outcomes, but less is known about the association between fuel poverty and mental health. This review therefore aims to address this gap, by providing the first systematic identification and mapping of global research on fuel poverty and mental health.
Inclusion Criteria
We follow the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) approach to guide our inclusion criteria. Population: All children and adults (irrespective of age); Concept: the mental health impacts of fuel poverty; Context: Any country context. We will include any peer-reviewed empirical research and relevant grey literature that meet each of the PCC criteria.
Methods
We will search the following databases: Medline (Ovid), PubMed Central, APA PsychInfo (Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus, Embase (Ovid), Social Policy Practice (Ovid), Econlit (Ovid) and The Cochrane Library. We will also perform backwards citation searches and searches for grey literature. We will manage the results of the searches, screening and extraction process in the software Rayyan. The extraction domains will follow a template set out at the start of the extraction phase, and will be piloted, tailored and improved and then applied to each included record. A narrative synthesis of the extracted information from each paper will then be performed.
Криобиопсия в морфологической верификации центрального рака легких с некрозом
Authors: Mamenko I. S. , Vasilev I. V. , Belyaev G. S. , Mortada M. M. , Nefedov A. O. , Novitskaya T. A. , Yablonskiy P. K.
Published: May 2023

Background. The diagnostic yield of a standard forceps biopsy for central lung cancer is 74 %. However, the diagnostic value is significantly reduced in the presence of necrosis in the tumor. In Russia, cryobiopsy for central lung cancer diagnosis is currently used only in a few clinical centers.

The purpose of this study is to present a series of clinical cases showing the effectiveness of the cryobiopsy method in the morphological verification of central neoplasms with necrosis.

Description of clinical cases. The article presents 3 clinical cases of patients with central lung cancer, in which standard forceps biopsy was ineffective due to the presence of severe necrosis in the tumor. The cryobiopsy performed at the second stage made it possible in all cases to obtain a suffcient amount of morphological material for histological and immunohistochemical studies and to reconalize the lumens of the large bronchi.

Conclusion. Cryobiopsy is an effective and safe method of morphological verification of central lung cancer, which has an advantage over standard forceps biopsy, especially in the presence of a visible necrotic component in the tumor structure.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for inoperable localized kidney cancer
Authors: Sabelnikova Zh. E. , Sarycheva M. M. , Mozerova E. Ya. , Vazhenin A. V.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the study: to evaluate the overall survival and local control in patients with inoperable kidney cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Material and Methods. From 2011 to 2021, 42 patients with histologically verified kidney cancer underwent SBRT to a total dose ranging from 30 to 45 Gr in 3 fractions using the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgical system. SBRT was performed for inoperable patients, taking into account various factors (age, severity of concomitant pathology, ASA IV physical status level), patients’ refusal of surgical treatment, and tumor size of ≤5.0 cm in diameter. SBRT was not performed for patients with tumor size of ≥5.0 cm in diameter, impaired renal function, generalization of cancer and decompensation of concomitant pathology. The median age of the patients was 67.9 years. 93 % of patients had stage I kidney cancer. The primary tumor was diagnosed in 37 cases, recurrence after previous surgical treatment in 6, including 1 patient with recurrence of cancer of both kidneys. The average tumor volume was 28.1 cm3. Results. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached due to the fact that the majority of patients (n=36) were alive at the time of the study. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 94.1 %, 88.7 %, and 72.6 %, respectively. The 1-year local control rate was 93 %. At 3-6 months, 26.2 % of patients showed partial response, 66.8 % had stable disease and 7 % had disease progression (according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria). Renal toxicity occurred in 23.8 % of patients 3 months after radiation therapy; however, kidney function was restored in these patients within a year. Conclusion. SBRT has demonstrated high efficacy with minimal toxicity in the treatment of inoperable patients with kidney cancer.